Jordi Bongard: who was Borussia Monchengladbach defender dead at 20, cause of death, football world tributes

Borussia Monchengladbach have paid tribute to 20-year-old defender Jordi Bongard, who tragically passed away in a car accident on Thursday morning.

The centre-back was a German youth international who initially joined Gladbach aged 12 and progressed through the club’s academy system to become a regular for their U23s side.

Bongard made more than 70 appearances at that level, scoring nine goals and signing his first professional contract just last summer.

The tragedy of the promising talent’s death has been felt keenly by Gladbach, with all scheduled press conferences and training sessions throughout the club cancelled on Thursday.

What have Borussia Monchengladbach said?

The German club released a statement in the aftermath of Bongard’s passing.

It reads: “Borussia mourns the death of U23s player Jordi Bongard, who unfortunately died in a car accident last night,” the statement reads.

“We would like to send our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

“Jordi will forever be in our thoughts and in our hearts!”

The club’s sporting director, Roland Virkus, said: “We received this terrible news this morning and we are stunned.

“Our deepest sympathy and our thoughts are with Jordi’s family.”

What have Borussia Monchengladbach’s Bundesliga peers said?

Tributes to Bongard have poured in from across the German footballing community.

Writing on social media, Wolfsburg posted: “This truly hurts. We extend our sincerest condolences to Jordi’s family, friends and everyone at Gladbach.”

FC Cologne replied to Borussia’s initial tweet by saying: “The #effzeh family are shocked and in mourning over Jordi Bongard’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at Gladbach in this difficult time.”

Mainz said: “We are shocked and saddened by this terrible news. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jordi’s family at this difficult time.”

Hertha Berlin added: “Everyone at Hertha sends their thoughts and condolences to Jordi Bongard’s family, friends and teammates.”

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