SAINT-DENIS, Réunion, November 11, 2026 — French footballer Wanis Honsor, a former FC Rouen player, has died aged 22 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a training session with Saint-Denis FC on Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred at the Stade de la Jamaïque training ground in Saint-Denis on Réunion Island. Emergency responders attempted to revive the young footballer, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His death has prompted tributes from his current and former clubs, football officials and local authorities.
What Happened to Wanis Honsor During Training?
Saint-Denis FC’s senior squad began training at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time, with 23 players reportedly attending the session. Honsor suddenly experienced severe chest pain before collapsing on the pitch later that morning, according to local broadcaster LINFO.RE.
His teammates initially attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation before emergency medical teams arrived. Dominique Goumane, director general of the Réunion Football League, told local media that rescuers continued resuscitation efforts for more than 45 minutes.
Despite those efforts, Honsor could not be saved. Local authorities arranged psychological support for players and witnesses affected by the incident.
Although cardiac arrest has been reported, the underlying medical cause has not been officially established. There has been no confirmed announcement of a previously diagnosed heart condition.
FC Rouen and Saint-Denis FC Pay Tribute
FC Rouen 1899 confirmed the death of its former academy player in a statement on Wednesday, describing the news as a devastating loss.
“FC Rouen 1899 learned this morning, with great sadness, of the sudden death of Wanis Honsor, who suffered cardiac arrest during a training session with his club, Saint-Denis FC.”
— FC Rouen 1899, official statement translated from French
The club extended its condolences to Honsor’s family and loved ones while recalling his development through its youth academy and reserve squad.
Saint-Denis FC also issued a statement expressing profound shock and sadness. Club president Jonathan Alpou, directors, coaching staff and members of the senior and U20 squads conveyed their condolences to his family, friends and teammates.
Eric Pery, secretary of Saint-Denis FC, confirmed that Honsor had arrived from mainland France and had been playing at left-back. He said relatives based in mainland France were expected to travel to Réunion following his death.
Local football officials described the incident as a devastating tragedy. The city’s deputy mayor, Virgil Kichenin, also expressed sympathy for Honsor’s wife and teammates, saying the municipality would support the club during the difficult period.
Wanis Honsor’s Football Career and Achievements
Born on November 19, 2003, in Le Havre, France, Honsor developed his footballing career through the French youth system. A statement announcing his move to Saint-Denis FC described him as having trained at Le Havre Athletic Club before continuing his development at FC Rouen.
He progressed through Rouen’s youth and reserve teams before making appearances for the senior side during the 2023–24 season.
One of his most memorable achievements came against FC Villefranche Beaujolais, when he scored in the sixth minute to secure a 1–0 victory for Rouen at Stade Robert-Diochon. The goal came during his first league start of the season.
According to French sports newspaper L’Équipe, he recorded three National appearances and one goal for Rouen during the 2023–24 campaign.
He was also named among Rouen’s substitutes for their Coupe de France quarter-final against Valenciennes on February 28, 2024, although he did not play in the match.
Following his time at Rouen, Honsor played for UF Mâconnais and FC Dieppe, later spending time with FC Flers before moving to Réunion. His arrival at Saint-Denis FC was announced in early 2026, marking a new stage in his playing career.
Family: Wanis Honsor Had Recently Married
Honsor had recently married, according to local reporting and comments from officials following his death.
Virgil Kichenin, deputy mayor of Saint-Denis, specifically acknowledged the young footballer’s wife, noting that the couple had married only recently. He also expressed support for Honsor’s teammates and club officials.
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Saint-Denis FC secretary Eric Pery said members of Honsor’s family were in mainland France and were expected to travel to the island.
No public statement from his wife or other family members has been independently verified, and further personal details have not been officially released.
Saint-Denis FC’s upcoming fixture against Saint-Pierroise was cancelled following the tragedy, according to local media. The club and wider Réunion football community are mourning the loss of a player whose career had taken him from Normandy to the Indian Ocean island.
This is a developing story. Further confirmed statements and information will be added as they become available.
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