Tragedy Strikes Bari Football: Son of Matthias Verreth Dies at 14 Months
Bari, Italy – July 28, 2025
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Bari football community is mourning the loss of the 14-month-old son of midfielder Matthias Verreth. The tragic news was announced by SSC Bari late Sunday evening, prompting the team to immediately end their pre-season training retreat in Roccaraso and return to Bari to support their teammate during this devastating time.
The club released a somber statement: “SSC Bari communicates with deep sorrow the passing of the one-year-old son of our player Matthias Verreth. The entire Bari family rallies around Matthias and his loved ones in this moment of immense pain. There are no words to express our grief.” The statement also confirmed that the team had suspended all activities and left the retreat to stand by Verreth and his family.
A Community in Mourning
The sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the football world, with fans, players, and clubs across Italy expressing their condolences. Posts on X reflected the outpouring of grief, with users sharing messages of support for Verreth and his family. One post from @Corriere read, “Muore a un anno il figlio del centrocampista del Bari Verreth. La squadra lascia il ritiro,” highlighting the abrupt end to the team’s preparations. Another from @SkySport noted, “Tragedia in casa Bari, muore il figlio di un anno di Verreth: la squadra chiude il ritiro,” emphasizing the profound impact on the club.
The cause of the child’s death has not been disclosed, and the club has requested privacy for Verreth and his family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. The football community, known for its tight-knit bonds, has rallied around the Verreth family, with tributes pouring in from rival clubs, including statements from Torino, Fiorentina, and Lazio, reflecting the sport’s solidarity in times of tragedy.
Matthias Verreth: A Biography
Matthias Verreth, born on February 20, 1998, in Lier, Belgium, is a 27-year-old midfielder known for his versatility and tenacity on the pitch. Standing at 5’11”, Verreth began his professional career with the youth academy of PSV Eindhoven, one of the Netherlands’ most prestigious clubs. He progressed through their ranks, showcasing his technical ability and work rate in midfield roles, often playing as a central or defensive midfielder.
Verreth made his senior debut for PSV’s reserve team, Jong PSV, in the Dutch Eerste Divisie, where he earned praise for his composure and vision. In 2019, he moved to Italy, signing with Serie B side Bari, where he has since become a key figure in the squad. Known for his leadership and dedication, Verreth has been a reliable presence in Bari’s midfield, contributing both defensively and in attack during the club’s push for promotion.
Off the field, Verreth is described as a devoted family man. He and his partner welcomed their son in May 2024, and Verreth often spoke of the joy his young family brought him. The loss of his son has left the football community heartbroken, with teammates and coaches emphasizing Verreth’s character and resilience.
The Impact on Bari and Football
The tragedy has cast a shadow over Bari’s preparations for the upcoming Serie B season. The team’s decision to leave the Roccaraso retreat underscores the priority placed on supporting Verreth during this difficult time. Manager [Name, if available] is expected to address the situation in the coming days, with the club likely to dedicate their season to the memory of Verreth’s son.
Football has faced numerous tragedies in recent years, from on-field collapses to off-field accidents, each leaving a lasting impact on teams and their communities. The death of Verreth’s son joins a somber list of losses, including the recent passing of Liverpool’s Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car accident in Spain. These events serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, even within the high-energy world of professional sports.
As Bari navigates this period of grief, the club has promised to provide ongoing support to Verreth and his family. Fans have already begun organizing tributes, with plans for a minute of silence at Bari’s next match to honor the young life lost.
Moving Forward
The football world stands united in support of Matthias Verreth and his family. While the pain of this loss is immeasurable, the outpouring of love and solidarity from fans, teammates, and rival clubs reflects the strength of the sport’s community. SSC Bari has asked for respect and privacy for Verreth during this time, and the club’s focus remains on helping their player through this tragedy.
As the Bari squad returns home, they carry with them not only the weight of their grief but also a renewed sense of unity. The memory of Verreth’s son will undoubtedly inspire the team as they face the challenges of the season ahead, honoring his life through their dedication on the pitch.
For further updates, fans are encouraged to follow official statements from SSC Bari. The club has not yet announced when training will resume, but the priority remains clear: supporting one of their own in the face of unimaginable loss.
Sources: Posts on X from @Corriere, @SkySport, @tuttosport, @TuttoMercatoWeb, @GoalItalia, @CorSport, @GolDiTacco