Tributes paid to NZ futsal goalkeeper tragically killed in Christchurch mosque attacks - 'He was a truly exceptional human being'

March 18, 2019

Teammates of New Zealand futsal goalkeeper Atta Elayyan have gathered to mourn his tragic death, one of 50 killed in Friday's horrific Christchurch attacks.

Born in Kuwait, Elayyan was capped 19 times for New Zealand at international level, and is survived by his wife Farah, and two-year-old daughter Aya. He was 33.

Away from futsal, Elayyan was a successful tech developer, founding LWA Solutions, working with the likes of Microsoft and Trade Me in his career.

As his friends and teammates gathered in Christchurch, the way to the Masjid Al Noor Mosque was covered in flowers in remembrance of Elayyan, with Mainland Football paying a touching tribute to their fallen brother, joined by Canterbury men's and women's national league players.

"We've formed not just a friendship, but a brotherhood," one teammate told Channel Nine.

"It's just unbelievable."

"Atta was truly one of the best people you could meet or have the pleasure to be around," friend Ronan Naicker told Stuff.

"He never asked for anything in return. He was a truly exceptional human being."

A Givealittle page has been set up for Elyyan's family, so far raising over $50,000.

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