Who Is Marton Fulop? Soccer World Reacts To Former Sunderland Keeper's Death After Cancer Battle

Former Sunderland goalkeeper Marton Fulop, who had suffered from cancer, died Thursday, according to multiple reports. He was 32.

The Hungarian national played in England from 2004 to 2012 after departing from his former club MTK Budapest, which announced his death Thursday. Fulop was known best for his time playing at English club Sunderland AFC, where he took to the pitch 47 times between 2006 and 2010. Sunderland lowered the flags at its stadium to half-mast in honor of their former keeper, according to the club's website.

“It is desperately sad when we lose a member of our Sunderland family but to lose one so young and in such circumstances is simply heart-breaking," the club said in a statement. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Marton’s family and friends at this terribly sad time.”

Fulop also had a notable run with English side Ipswich Town and stints at Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion. He also played loan spells with British clubs Manchester City, Stoke City, Leicester City, Chesterfield and Coventry City. Fulop began his career with his local club, MTK Budapest. The organization announced his passing Thursday with a statement that read, "We are deeply sorrowful and grieved to announce that after a long illness, Marton Fulop has died," according to Guardian.

The goalkeeper had a tumor removed from his arm in 2013 and was cleared to return to soccer. He last played professionally in 2012-13, taking the field for the Greek club Asteras Tripoli. During his career, Fulop -- who departed from Hungary to play English soccer at age 21 -- also registered 24 caps, or playing appearances, for his home country.

After the news of his passing, the soccer world reacted, with tributes flooding in from his former clubs and teammates. Collected below is a sampling of the responses from the sporting world.