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A 20-year-old Brazilian footballer died in a freak motorbike accident after colliding with a cow while riding home from his father's birthday party.
According to reports, striker Antony Ylano was travelling along the BR-343 highway in Altos, in the state of Piaui, when his motorbike struck the animal at around 3.30am on Monday.
CCTV footage shared by local outlets shows the moment Ylano hit the cow that had wandered into the middle of the road, sending the player flying onto the tarmac. Police said he died at the scene.
Ylano played for Piaui's Under 20 team and was considered one of the region's brightest attacking prospects. He previously represented Altos and Fluminense-PI, winning the Piaui State Championship in both 2024 and 2025.
His current club confirmed the tragedy in a statement that read: '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.'
'Ylano has been wearing the colours 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.
Brazilian footballer Antony Ylano, 20, died in a freak motorbike accident after colliding with a cow while riding home from his father's birthday party
Ylano played for Piaui's Under 20 team and was considered one of the region's brightest attacking prospects
'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, one of his former clubs, also issued a statement expressing their sadness at his passing.
'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),' the club said.
'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.'
Police in Piaui confirmed that the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Reports said Ylano's wake was held in Serra do Cedro, Altos, on Monday evening.
