French defender Wanis Honsor dies after cardiac arrest during training session

French football has been plunged into mourning following the death of 22-year-old defender Wanis Honsor, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a training session with amateur club Saint-Denis FC on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at the Stade de la Jamaïque on Reunion Island, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean.

According to local media reports, Honsor collapsed during a morning training session, prompting an immediate response from his teammates and emergency services.

Despite attempts to resuscitate him, the young defender could not be saved.

Saint-Denis FC confirmed his death in an official statement, expressing deep sadness over the loss of a player who joined the club earlier this year.

Club president Jonathan Alpou, members of the board, coaching staff and players from both the senior and under-20 teams expressed their shock and extended their condolences to Honsor’s family and friends.

Former clubs pay tribute to young defender

Honsor, who played as a left-back, was born in Le Havre and developed his football career through the youth ranks of FC Rouen.

He made three first-team appearances for Rouen during the 2023-2024 season, scoring once at Stade Robert Diochon.

The defender later played for several French clubs, including Dieppe and Flers, before moving to Reunion Island to continue his career.

FC Rouen also paid tribute to their former player, offering condolences to his family and remembering his time at the club.

Reunion football community offers support to family

The Reunion Football League issued a separate statement following Honsor’s death, revealing that the defender had recently married and was approaching his 23rd birthday.

The organisation confirmed that psychological support would be made available to teammates, club officials and others affected by the tragedy.

It also pledged to support Honsor’s family with arrangements to return his body to mainland France.

The French Football Federation joined the tributes, extending its condolences to the player’s relatives and the wider Saint-Denis football community.

Honsor’s death has left his teammates, former clubs and the French football community mourning the loss of a young player whose career was cut short at just 22.