A Croatian footballer has died at the age of just 25 after being struck in the chest by the ball during a match.

Bruno Boban was playing for Croatian third-tier side Marsonia when he was hit in the chest from close range, causing him to collapse and lose consciousness.

Players from both teams immediately called for help and medics spent 40 minutes attempting to revive him on the field.

However, their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful as Boban passed away following the seemingly innocuous incident.

The cause of Boban's death is not yet known, but it comes just three weeks after Fiorentina captain Davide Astori tragically passed away in his sleep on the morning of a match.