A BRAZILIAN footballer has died moments before he was set to play a match.
Tributes have poured in for Gabriel Popo after he passed away aged 26.
Popo was about to play in a match for XV de Jau against Uniao Suzano, which was abandoned following the incident.
The midfielder suffered a medical emergency and was rushed to hospital in Sao Paulo, but died.
His club paid tribute in a statement which read: “Gabriel Popo: forever in our history and in our hearts. 
“Nothing prepares us for goodbyes like this. Popo left us too soon, but his joy, his talent and his passion for football will remain alive in each one of us.
“Popo, we will play, we will wear this jersey and we will come back stronger for you!”
Brazilian clubs have paid tribute to Popo including Paulista FC and Rio Branco Sports Club.
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