Welsh football mourns the loss of Ioan Evans
Welsh football has been plunged into mourning following the tragic passing of Afan Lido FC forward Ioan Evans, who died at just 25 years of age, reports BritPanorama.
The JD Cymru South outfit confirmed the devastating news earlier today, expressing profound sorrow at losing one of their most cherished players. “With the heaviest of hearts everyone at Afan Lido FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Ioan Evans,” the club stated, adding, “We don’t really have the words to adequately express our grief at this time.”
Evans had established himself as one of Afan Lido’s most dependable performers since joining the club in October 2020. Over his tenure, he accumulated 127 appearances and found the net 16 times, becoming one of the longest-serving members of the squad. He led the side as captain on numerous occasions and earned recognition for his consistent displays by claiming both the managers’ player of the year and players’ player of the year honours last season.
Remarkably, Evans had featured for the club as recently as Friday evening, during a 2-0 defeat against Pontypridd. The club highlighted his impact on those around him, stating, “He was the smallest man in the room who had the biggest impact on those around him.” Evans hailed from the Rhondda valley and later studied at Cardiff Metropolitan University, where he also represented the institution on the pitch.
The Football Association of Wales and JD Cymru Leagues expressed their devastation at the news, offering sincere condolences to Evans’ loved ones and adding the Welsh phrase “Cwsg mewn hedd, Ioan” – sleep in peace. Tributes swiftly arrived from across the Welsh football pyramid, with Barry Town United hailing him as “a fantastic young man and a credit to your club.” Haverfordwest County and Goytre United were among numerous clubs sending messages of support, the latter describing Evans as “an excellent footballer” and “a tremendous person.”
In a mark of respect, Friday’s Welsh Blood Service League Cup fixture between Newport City and Afan Lido has been postponed.
In moments like these, the tight-knit football community feels the loss acutely, a reminder of how quickly life can change and the bonds that are forged on the pitch. The echoes of Evans’s presence will surely linger long after the final whistle has blown.
