During his time with the first team, Meixner scored six goals in his 100 appearances, including 22 games this season.

SSV Reutlingen released an emotional statement: “The entire SSV family is deeply shocked and stunned. His teammates, all committees and employees mourn with Lucas’ relatives and our thoughts are with his family, his friends and companions.”

The club added: “Last weekend we received the terrible news that our player Luca Meixner passed away unexpectedly on Friday December 27th at the age of 22. We ask that you respect the privacy of Lucas’s family during this difficult time.”

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Meixner’s last appearance for the club took place on December 7th, when he played 87 minutes in the 1-1 draw against TSG Balingen before the winter break.

The fifth division club Sonnenhof Großaspach expressed its condolences and wrote: “Our deepest condolences and lots of strength during this difficult time!”

Göppinger SV also expressed its support and posted: “A lot of strength to the entire club.”

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SSV Reutlingen was a second division team at the turn of the millennium and played in the second German division for three seasons between 2000 and 2003.

The club faced relegation in 2003, marking the beginning of its descent down the German football pyramid.

With the introduction of the new third division, the 3. Liga, their position fell further in 2008, causing Reutlingen to be relegated once again.

The club now plays in the Oberliga Baden-Württemberg, where it has played for nine seasons.