Zaragoza Galaxy pay tribute to Djedy Sidibe, 19, killed in four-fatality road crash in Spain

Djedy Sidibe, a 19-year-old amateur footballer who played for Zaragoza Galaxy in Spain’s Major League Aragón, was killed on Monday 17 August when the car he was travelling in collided with a lorry on the N-122 road near Borja, Spain. Three other young people aged between 18 and 21 also died in the crash, while a fifth occupant was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

All five had been returning to Zaragoza after spending the weekend in Salduero, where they had volunteered at a YMCA summer camp. Several of the group had grown up participating in the organisation’s programmes and had chosen, as adults, to give back through its Leadership Academy by mentoring younger participants.

Sidibe, who had Malian roots, was also studying for a Higher Degree in Chemistry and Environmental Health at IES Río Gállego. A second car was involved in the collision but none of its occupants were hurt, and the lorry driver also escaped injury. Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Zaragoza Galaxy paid tribute to Sidibe on social media, describing the news as “completely devastating and speechless-inducing.” The club wrote: “For us, Djedy was not just a player. He was a friend and, above all, a great person. Someone to share moments, laughter and happy memories with; one of those people who, through their personality, could always make you smile.”

The club added: “Today, football takes a back seat. Today we say goodbye to a friend, a teammate and a person who will always have a place in our hearts. We would like to express our deepest condolences and all our love to his family, friends and loved ones, as well as to the families of the other victims of this tragic accident. Rest in peace, Djedy.”

Among the other victims was Saad Ahizoune, a young man of Moroccan origin who was studying for a teaching degree at the Faculty of Education at the University of Zaragoza. The university expressed its condolences following news of his death.

The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief from relatives, friends, teammates and the volunteer organisations the group had dedicated their time to.