Ajax have announced the sad news that 16-year-old youth player Noah Gesser has passed away on Friday night, following a tragic car accident.
Gesser, who had been with the Eredivisie champions since 2018, was due to be part of the under 17s squad for the season that is starting shortly.
The club announced the sad news in a statement on their website, after the teenager sadly passed away on Friday.
“Ajax has received the terrible news that Noah Gesser has passed away. The sixteen-year-old youth academy player was killed in a car accident with his brother on Friday evening.
“Noah Gesser was born on February 27, 2005 in IJsselstein. He has played for Ajax since 2018. The young striker joined Ajax from Alphense Boys, after having previously played football at Almere City and VVIJ. This season he was set to play for Ajax U17.”
Ajax is diep geraakt door het tragische overlijden van jeugdspeler Noah Gesser. Onze gedachten gaan uit naar zijn familie, vrienden en nabestaanden. 💔🕊️
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) July 31, 2021
Ajax are set to take on RB Leipzig on Saturday, whilst Ajax Youth are also in action in a practice match, and the club confirmed there will be a minute’s silence held ahead of the games.
“This afternoon, at the exhibition matches of Ajax 1 and Young Ajax, there will be special attention for this horrible news. There will be a minute of silence before the matches start and the Ajax players will wear armbands in mourning of Gesser’s passing.
“In addition, flags will be flown at half-mast at the Toekomst sports complex.
“Ajax is deeply moved by this tragic event. The club wishes Gesser’s loved ones strength in the coming time in dealing with this immeasurable loss.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gesser’s family and friends and everyone at Ajax.