Former Newcastle Jets player Bernardo Ribeiro has died at the age of 26 after falling ill during a game in Brazil.

The midfielder - a Flamengo youth product - is thought to have collapsed with suspected heart problems during an amateur match in South-East Brazil on Saturday. Medics rushed him to the nearby Sao Sebastiao hospital but he reportedly died en route.

In a statement on the Newcastle Jets' Twitter page, the A-League side said: "The thoughts & prayers of everyone at @NewcastleJetsFA are with Bernardo Ribeiro's family & friends. Rest In Peace."

Ribeiro's death comes just 48 hours after Cameroonian international Patrick Ekeng collapsed and died of a heart attack