Footballer, 20, dies after freak motorbike accident as club issue heartbreaking statement

Twenty-year-old Antony Ylano was killed in a freak motorbike crash while returning from his dad’s birthday party and his club, Piaui, have released an emotional statement

A 20-year-old footballer from Brazil has died following a freak motorbike crash. Riding home from his dad’s birthday party, Antony Ylano was killed when he drove directly into a cow that had walked into the middle of the road.

CCTV footage shows the moment that Ylano hit the farm animal on the BR-343 in Altos, in the state of Piaui, Brazil. The incident happened around 3:30am on Monday, October 20.

The clip shows Ylano crashing into a cow that he seemingly didn’t notice walking in front of him as part of a herd. The Piaui under-20 star is seen being thrown onto the tarmac.

Meanwhile, the stricken cow made a desperate attempt to get off the road by dragging its hind legs. Police said that Ylano died at the scene.

They added that the cause of the crash remains the subject of an investigation. Ylano previously played for Altos and Fluminense-PI, and won the Piaui State Championship in both 2024 and 2025.

Considered one of the region’s biggest talents, the striker had a bright future ahead of him. His club, Piaui, released a heartbreaking statement expressing their grief.

“Piaui Esporte Clube is experiencing a moment of deep pain with the loss of striker Antony Ylano, 20 years old, victim of an accident in the early hours, in the city of Altos,” it read.

“Ylano has been wearing the colors of Piauizao Vibrante since 2024, the year in which he won the Piauiense Under-20 Championship, played in the 2025 São Paulo Junior Football Cup and the Under-20 Northeast Cup.

“In yet another challenge for the club, the athlete was preparing to travel this Tuesday with the squad that is competing in the Under-20 Brazil Cup. The club informs that this Monday’s activities are cancelled out of respect for our time of mourning.”

Altos added: “It is with deep regret that Associacao Atletica de Altos received the news of the death of Antony Ylano, aged 20, former player of the club, as a result of an accident in the early hours of this Monday (20).”

“A player from the club’s youth academy and a native of Altos, Antony made his professional debut defending the Altos jersey against Remo in the final round of Serie C in 2023.

“At Jacare, Antony was also part of the 2024 Piauiense Champion group. At this difficult time, Altos offers its condolences and wishes strength to friends and family.”

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