Ex-Roma and Cameroonian footballer, Joseph Bouasse who was trafficked into Italy at 16, has died at the age of 21 after suffering a heart attack

Former Roma youngster, Joseph Bouasse Perfection has tragically passed away at the age of just 21 after suffering a heart attack on Sunday night May 24th.

The Cameroonian midfielder represented the Serie A side’s prestigious academy following a successful trial in 2016. He trained alongside the likes of Daniele De Rossi, Edin Dzeko, Radja Nainggolan and Francesco Totti in Rome, but never played for the first-team. 

He made his professional debut for Serie B side Vicenza while on loan from Roma in 2017.

Prior to his passing, he represented Universitatea Cluj in Romania, having signed for them in February.

According to ESPN, Bouasse was trafficked into Italy at 16 as a migrant from Cameroon, seeking a new life in Europe. He was abandoned at Rome’s Termini Station before he was approached by a man who promised him a career as a footballer.

He later ended up showcasing his talent with Liberi Nantes — Italy’s only all-refugee team before he was eventually spotted and offered a trial by Roma boss Luciano Spalletti who later invited him to first-team training.

After he signed a deal with Roma, the Cameroonian youngster trained with big stars at the club. He featured 11 times in the club’s youth team. 

Paying tribute to their former player on Twitter, Roma wrote: ‘The club is desperately saddened to learn of the untimely death of former Primavera player, Joseph Bouasse Perfection.

‘The thoughts of everyone at #ASRoma are with all those closest to him.’ 

LaLiga side Sevilla added: ‘Heartbreaking news. Our thoughts are with Joseph’s family, friends, and everyone at AS Roma. Rest in peace, Joseph.’