SSV Reutlingen are in mourning after the devastating loss of their player Luca Meixner at the age of 22. The midfielder died on Friday, December 27 and his death was confirmed by the club with a poignant statement at the weekend.

The club said in a statement: "The entire SSV family is deeply shocked and stunned. His team-mates, all committees and employees mourn with Lucas' relatives and our thoughts are with his family, friends and companions.

"Last weekend we received the terrible news that our player Luca Meixner died unexpectedly on Friday, December 27th at the age of 22. We ask that you respect the privacy of Lucas' family during this difficult time."

An outpouring of condolences came from across the football community, with Sonnenhof Grossaspach extending their deepest sympathy: "Our heartfelt condolences and lots of strength in this difficult time!"

Goppinger SV also showed their support: "Much strength to the entire club."

Meixner, who joined the senior team from the youth ranks, made his mark in both the U17 and U19 squads before debuting in the first team.

His debut was in July 2021 during a Landespokal Wurttemberg match against SV Zimmern which resulted in a 3-0 victory, followed by his league debut a month later, despite a 2-0 loss to FC Nottingen.

The central midfielder was a key player for the club, netting six goals in 100 appearances for Reutlingen, including featuring in 22 matches this season for the Oberliga Baden-Wurttemberg fifth-tier side.

Meixner's last match for the club was on December 7 in a 1-1 stalemate against TSG Balingen before the winter break.

SSV Reutlingen were once a second-division team at the start of the Millennium, playing three seasons from 2000 to 2003 before facing relegation. The launch of the new third-tier, 3.Liga, in 2008, saw Reulingen descend another tier.