Swiss footballer Nicolas Schindelholz dies aged 34 after cancer fight

Nicolas Schindelholz in action for FC Thun
Nicolas Schindelholz in action for FC Thun / EuroFootball/GettyImages
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Switzerland defender Nicolas Schindelholz has died at the age of 34 after losing a two-year battle with lung cancer.

Schindelholz was diagnosed in 2020 after falling ill while playing for Danish side FC Aarau, having made 37 appearances for the club.

He underwent treatment for two years but unfortunately passed away on Sunday, leading to an outpouring of tributes from former clubs.

“Our former central defender Nicolas Schindelholz died of cancer at the age of just 34," an FC Aarau statement read. “FC Aarau expresses its heartfelt condolences to the relatives and wishes them a lot of strength during this difficult time.”

Philipp Bonorand, FC Aarau''s president, added: “All of us at FC Aarau are very sad and our thoughts are with Nicolas Schindelholz’s family. Our condolences to his family and four children.”

FC Basel, Schindelholz's first club, also paid tribute, as did Swiss heavyweights Servette FC, who wrote: “Servette FC is associated with the pain and pain of all Swiss football and sends its most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Nicolas Schindelholz.

“May he rest in peace.”

Schindelholz is best known for his eight-year association with FC Thun, where he regularly featured in central defence and at left-back.