Seizure at Maracanã: Flamengo's Night Shaken by Souza's On-Field Emergency

Incident at Maracanã during a Carioca Cup clash

Eight minutes into the Campeonato Carioca match in Rio de Janeiro, a Brazilian footballer named Alexander Sousa collapsed on the pitch after suffering a seizure.

Souza, who had survived a life-threatening motorcycle accident a year earlier, faced another terrifying moment as he fell to the ground at Maracanã stadium during Flamengo's clash with Sampaio Corrêa RJ.

Grim footage showed a teammate tearing off his jersey to help ventilate the 24-year-old, and play was halted as an ambulance was called.

The father of one was conscious when transported to hospital amid cheers, but he reportedly suffered a second seizure shortly after arrival and was ordered to remain under close medical supervision for at least 24 hours.

The incident occurred during a match in the Campeonato Carioca, the top professional football league in Rio de Janeiro state, which Flamengo led 7-1 by the final whistle.

Club officials later said tests ruled out heart or neurological damage. Further MRI and blood work were planned before doctors decided whether he could be discharged or needed longer hospitalization.

In January of last year, Souza was struck by a car while returning home on his motorcycle. He returned to competitive football last month, on January 17, wearing a neck brace for several months during physiotherapy, with doctors saying he had been at risk of quadriplegia.

Punchline 1: If suspense paid the bills, this game would be a blockbuster.

Punchline 2: Here’s hoping Souza’s comeback keeps the heart beating strong—because football loves dramatic cameos.