Alisson’s father drowns in Brazil while swimming

The father of Alisson Becker, the Liverpool goalkeeper, has been killed in a swimming accident in his native Brazil.

Jose Becker, 57, was reported missing on Wednesday after being seen swimming at a dam on his property near the town of Lavras do Sul. His body was discovered several hours later, police confirming the cause of death as drowning.

“Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Alisson Becker’s father, Jose,” Liverpool said on their website. “The thoughts of everybody at the club are with Alisson and the Becker family at this incredibly sad and difficult time.”

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea posted a photograph of himself embracing Alisson after a recent game, accompanied by the message: “We are all with you.”

Since leaving Brazilian football in 2016, Alisson has become widely regarded as one of the world’s best goalkeepers and was named Fifa Goalkeeper of the Year in 2019.

He joined Liverpool in 2018 after two years at Roma. Since his move to Merseyside, the club have won the Champions League, Premier League and Club World Cup, with his £65million signing considered one of the most pivotal in Jurgen Klopp’s reign.

The death of Alisson’s father is the latest in a series of tragedies to befall the club in the past few months.

In November, the club mourned the loss of legendary goalkeeper Ray Clemence following his long cancer battle. Then, in December, former manager Gerard Houllier, who had undergone heart surgery in Paris, passed away.

Klopp’s mother, Elisabeth, died in January. The Liverpool manager was unable to attend her funeral due to a German ban on travellers from England.