Bench Rest Die

Earlier in the year a top level league footballer died quite tragically. As I recently discovered his video game personality was not only included on his side, but in the starting 11, despite FIFA's claim of having rosters current as of the last days of august. Sort of eerie huh? So 10 points goes to whoever can tell me who this unfortunate gent is, my only hints are that he capped once for his nation, and played for a premier division team in one of the 5 or so top nations club-wise; sorry but if i gave you anymore clues it might be too obvious for you google search cheaters.
Once youve found out, then either leave him on the field or rest him on the bench, im not sure which id like more if i were in his boots, but good luck to you, and i hope this question if nothing else will help keep him fresh in the memory, and remind us footballers that some of us risk our lives everyday for the beatiful and best game on earth, a sport more important than life or death some say...