So strange to hear your friend in the morning and then hear this news. Lost a great friend way to early. Rest in peace my friend. You will always be around.
- Kevin De Bruyne on Instagram
It's my responsibility to bring you the incredibly sad news that Junior Malanda has passed away after a car accident today near Porta Westfalica in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. He was only 20 years old.
Bild reports that Malanda was a passenger in the backseat of a Volkswagen Touareg. According to police, the driver lost control of the vehicle in poor weather, ran off the road, and struck a tree before landing on it's roof. Malanda was thrown from the vehicle and killed instantly.
Malanda was recognized by all as one of the brightest up-and-coming talents in the Bundesliga, and his play throughout the Hinrunde exemplified that. It was likely that he would've received a call to represent his country (Belgium) during 2015.
We offer our deepest and sincerest condolences to the entire Malanda family and Wolfsburg. The footballing world mourns with you.
RIP Junior Malanda