Representing your country on a global level must be a feeling of immense pride. While many bask in the glow of this pride, for many others, it is taken from them before they even process the emotion. Be it through injury or otherwise, it is always a heartbreaking sight to see elite potential and promise go down the drain due to unfortunate circumstances. However, such was the case with Moldovan soccer star Violeta Mitul, who died in a hiking incident, aged only 26.

Mitul was one of her country’s brightest prospects in women’s football. She had been brought up in the game and certainly had a very bright future, potentially even a shot at becoming Moldova’s greatest female soccer player of all time. However, her luck ran out and a stroke of misfortune ended her prospects, as well as her life.

Hiking Incident Turned Tragic

Violeta Mitul had been capped by the Moldovan soccer team 40 times. She would have likely gone past twice that figure had she played out a long career. While she looked forward to an illustrious career in soccer, the world had other plans for her. These plans transpired in the form of a tragic hiking accident on the cliffs at the marina on Vopnafjörður. Unfortunately, Mitul was announced dead as paramedics arrived at the scene.

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Mitul was on a hike with her friends from her club Einherji Vopnafjörður when the tragic incident happened. Mitul lost her life on the night of September 4, sending shockwaves across the soccer community globally. Her sudden passing prompted words from the Moldovan National team as well as entities like UEFA.

“Her death is a great shock to us all and the void she leaves behind is great. Our thoughts are with her teammates and coaches,” a statement from the Moldovan national team read. The statement also called Mitul “one of the best players of the women’s national team.” Mitul’s demise was also addressed by several of her teammates, who considered her a staunch professional and shining talent.

Highlights of Mitul’s Career

Mitul made her international debut in 2017. Since then, she has never looked back and become one of the best players on her team. While she was last contracted to Icelandic club Einherji Vopnafjörður, she had also previously played for FF La Solana, Apulia Trani, and WFC Voskhod among others. Her already impressive career had taken her to play soccer in  Spain, Italy, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.

Although Moldova did not qualify for the upcoming Women’s World Cup, Mitul had played in all 10 of her country’s qualifying matches. Her absence from the team and the soccer scene across the world will be felt and deeply missed.

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