José Antonio Reyes, former Sevilla star and part of Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’, dies in a car accident at age 35

Spanish footballer José Antonio Reyes has passed away in a car accident on Saturday. The footballer, who represented the Spanish national team and popular European clubs like Arsenal and Sevilla, was 35. 

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Sevilla FC, where Reyes began his youth career, before going on to represent them on a senior level, tweeted, “We couldn't be confirming worse news. Beloved Sevilla star José Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic collision. Rest in peace.” 

Arsenal FC also expressed their shock, "Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that our former player Jose Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic collision in Spain. Jose Antonio Reyes: 1983-2019 Rest in peace, Jose."

They also wrote, "Jose, who was part of the Invincibles team, was a hugely popular figure at our club and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our thoughts are with all his family, friends and team-mates."

According to reports, the traffic collision took place in Utrera in Seville, where the footballer has been born and brought up. 

Reyes primarily played as a left winger and apart from Sevilla, where he became the youngest to make a debut at age 16, he also represented some of the top European clubs like Arsenal, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid before returning to his boyhood club. 

Reyes was a part of the Arsenal’s 'Invincibles', who won the 2004 Premier League without losing a game. 

The footballer also scored 4 goals for the Spanish national team in 21 appearances. He was playing for the second-tier Spanish club Extremadura UD in the 2018-19 season.

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The footballing community expressed their shock and grief over the tragic news. UEFA, AC Milan, Liverpool's and veteran footballer Thierry Henry gave a tribute to the late footballer.