Former Japan forward Masato Kudo has died aged 32 following brain surgery.
Kudo, who was playing for Japanese third-tier club Tegevajaro Miyazaki, fell ill on 2 October and was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the ventricles in the brain.
Kudo previously played for Kashiwa Reysol, Vancouver Whitecaps, Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Brisbane Roar.
“We are devastated that such a great player has passed away so early,” said a statement by Tegevajaro Miyazaki.
“He played for Japan and had a great track record but he stayed humble.
“He had a great attitude and was caring about his team-mates, the club and supporters.”
Kudo scored six goals in 12 games during Kashiwa Reysol’s run to the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League in 2013, and scored twice in four appearances for Japan that year.
![Brisbane Roar team-mates Riku Danzaki and Charlie Austin pay tribute to former Roar player Masato Kudo after he died aged 32](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/DE43/production/_127299865_gettyimages-1435530940.jpg)
source: BBC