Marcel Sabou, former Sporting player and symbol of the fight against ALS, dies at 59.

Marcel Sabou , former Sporting Club footballer and symbol of the fight against ALS , died this Monday at the age of 59 in Gijón, where he lived, the club reported, extending its condolences to his family and friends.

Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in 2013, he became a leader in raising awareness of the disease and advocating for medical research.

Sabou, born on August 22, 1965 in Timisoara (Romania) , along with his children, promoted the InvestiguELA association, with which he promoted multiple solidarity initiatives, including charity matches played in Gijón, collaboration with Sporting and campaigns such as the sale of retro shirts with purposes entirely dedicated to the cause.

Sporting was the club most closely associated with him throughout his playing career, as he played at El Molinón between 1993 and 1996, and scored a decisive goal to ensure the club's survival, a goal that will always be remembered by the red-and-white fans.

His closeness to Sporting fans and his subsequent involvement with the club strengthened his bond with the city and its fans.

In addition to his time in Gijón, Sabou also played for Dinamo Bucharest , where he trained, as well as Real Madrid Castilla, Tenerife and Racing de Santander , in Spain, and the Portuguese Chaves , where he closed his career.