The tragic death of future Bundesliga star Junior Malanda

Junior Malanda is one of those 'what could have been' cases in football. The young talent was destined for the top, but passed away tragically at the age of 20, causing grief in the football community. Career info and stats are sourced from Transfermarkt unless otherwise stated.

Malanda passed through the youth ranks of Belgian top club RSC Anderlecht, before joining the U19 of France's LOSC Lille. However, it was in his native Belgium that Malanda's star began to shine.

In July 2012, the Belgian youth international signed for the then first division team Zulte Waregem on a free transfer, where he would play an important role in the midfield with his strength and physical qualities.

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In total, Malanda made 64 appearances for Zulte Waregem, scoring seven goals and providing five assists.

Alongside Thorgan Hazard, Malanda played a key role in Zulte Waregem's runners-up finish in the 2013/13 season, their best ever result in the Belgian league. Malanda soon appeared on the radar of clubs abroad.

It was German side VfL Wolfsburg who signed Malanda in the summer of 2013, immediately loaning him back to Zulte Waregem.

Malanda took that opportunity to showcase himself in the Europa League with Zulte Waregem, scoring two goals, one of them away to Wigan Athletic. His good performances prompted Wolfsburg to recall him in January 2014.

Malanda made his debut for Wolfsburg on 8 February 2014 against Mainz 05. He scored his first goal at the end of March in a 1-3 win away to Werder Bremen, and finished the season with seven Bundesliga appearances.

In January of the following season, Malanda and Wolfsburg were preparing to travel to South Africa for a training camp, until tragedy struck.

Malanda, who was on his way to the airport in heavy rain and wind, crashed with his car at high speed and hit a tree, per Belgian sports outlet Sporza.

Malanda was not wearing his seat belt at the moment of the crash, which caused him to be thrown from the car, per Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

Footballer Anthony D'Alberto, Malanda's friend who was driving the car, had to appear in court but was acquitted of prosecution despite admitting excessive speed, Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reported. However, he was ordered to pay a 4,000 euro settlement.

Malanda's death caused enormous grief in the football community and at his club, Wolfsburg. His funeral took place in his home city of Brussels and was attended by, among others, Kevin De Bruyne, who was playing for Wolfsburg at the time.

"So strange to hear your friend in the morning and then hear this news. Lost a great friend way too early. RIP my friend," De Bruyne wrote on Twitter after Malanda's death.

Then Wolfsburg striker Nicklas Bendtner also expressed his grief: "Not only a great player but a great person. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you and your family, brother. You will always be remembered."

Like Bendtner, the entire football community will never forget Malanda, who looked set for great things for club and country. RIP.

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