Daniel Goncalves, former Polonia Nysa forward, dies at 25 after a year in a coma

Collapse and hospital care

Daniel Goncalves collapsed after a training session with Polonia Nysa on 9 September 2025. Polish reports said he had suffered a heart attack and was taken to hospital in Opole in serious condition, where he was placed in intensive care. After some time doctors took him off the ventilator and he began breathing on his own, but he had no contact with the people around him. Polish outlets described his condition as very serious from the start, and some reports said he had remained in a coma for more than a year.

Fundraising and the move to Portugal

His family organised a fundraiser to pay for specialist medical transport to Portugal, and it gathered more than 13,000 euros. One report said about 2,000 euros of that sum came from the foundation of Robert Lewandowski. Goncalves was then moved to Portugal, where he started neurological rehabilitation, and reports said his situation remained difficult. One report also said his condition had worsened before his death, which the club announced on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.

The club's announcement

Polonia Nysa confirmed the death on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, in a statement posted on social media. The club's message read:

“With deep sadness we received news of the death of Daniel Goncalves. We extend our sincerest condolences and expressions of sympathy to the family and loved ones.”

The club's president recalled that off the pitch Goncalves was known for a constant smile and a positive attitude. The club also said he had passed the required medical examinations before playing and that the results raised no concerns. The club's statement did not give a cause of death.

Career path

Goncalves started out in the youth ranks of Benfica in Portugal. He then played for Portuguese clubs including Loures, Amora and Lusitano Évora, according to SAPO and Notícias ao Minuto. He went on to play in Norway for Lillehammer before moving to Poland, where Polonia Głubczyce signed him in February 2025. About six months later he joined Polonia Nysa, a third-tier side according to Polish reports, and it was his last club. SAPO reported that his last appearance for Nysa dated from August 2025. He also held an Angolan passport.

Conflicting details

The reports do not agree on his age. TVP Info gave 26, while Interia, SAPO, Fanpage and Notícias ao Minuto gave 25. Fanpage also described Polonia Nysa as a fourth-division club, whereas Polish reports placed it in the third tier.