The footballing world was rocked as 25-year-old Piermario Morosini collapsed on the field and was confirmed dead upon arrival to the hospital. Just weeks after Fabrice Muamba of Bolton suffered a similar situation, fans are once again reminded that football is just a game and there are more important things at play than just who puts the ball in the back of the net. While not the most well known player, his story is an inspiration and makes his death that much more of a tragedy.

Even at 25, Morosini has been through more tragedy in life than most people. Before turning 18, both he had lost both his parents. His brother would then commit suicide leaving him alone with his disabled sister to take care of. He loved football and he used it, as a mean’s to provide for his sister. Many have come out since the tragedy to offer words of praise. It is clear that he was a special man who through tragedy, learned to live every day above ground with joy. His agent who was dealing with the tragedy said that Piermario only wanted happiness in life. The news of the tragedy caused all games in Italy to be called-off.

As fans, it is easy to watch a football game, forgetting that it is just that, a game. We watch with a lens on because football serves as an escape from our normal lives to this outside world. When something this tragic happens it shatters the lens and it forces us to look at what’s important. Morosini’s death should cause some changes in Serie A as procedures will be evaluated. It is still not completely certain what was the cause of death but testing should be in place to prevent anything like this happening again.

Since the death there has been an impressive amount of support and admiration for the youngsters from all over. Livorno, the club for which Morosini was on loan with, held a memorial the following day as hundreds of fans showed their support and appreciation for the player. They along with Pescara, a team he had several stints with are retiring his number. Udinese, the club that owned him, has come out to say they will provide for his disabled sister, and are asking other clubs to help out, with Atalanta have agreeing to help. Furthermore Antonio Di Natale has said he will personally look after her. When Di Natale’s mother died, Morosini helped him through the mourning. Leagues all over, from Spain to England all the way to the MLS, held moments of silence and expressed their condolences for their fallen comrade.

This story as tragic as it it, is also inspiring. The footballing community has rallied together and shown the beauty of humanity. The support pouring in from all places as well as the selflessness of a superstar like Antonio DiNatale are inspirations because people are willing to help in the situations that need it most. It was announced today that the president of Atalanta, the team with which Morosini grew up in, has pledged that he too will personally look after Morosini’s sister for the rest of her life.

Prior to this weekend, the casual fan probably couldn’t tell you anything about Piermario Morosini. Regardless of how little known he was, the news was still shocking. Anyone who is involved with football in anyway, whether it’s an amateur league or the Champions League will have a new outlook on life because of Morosini. An extraordinary young man who was taken too young, but his memory will live on. In the end we can hope he found his happiness.