BEIRUT — A Syrian soccer star who became a symbol of the rebellion against President Bashar al-Assad has died after being wounded in a battle with government forces, the rebels said Saturday.

Abdul Baset al-Sarout, 27, rose to fame as a goalkeeper for his home city of Homs and won international titles representing his country. When peaceful protests broke out against Mr. al-Assad in 2011, Mr. al-Sarout led rallies and became known as the “singer of the revolution” for his ballads.

When Syria slid into civil war, Mr. al-Sarout took up arms. He led a unit of fighters against government forces and survived the government siege of Homs. The government declared Mr. al-Sarout a traitor, banning him from soccer and offering a reward for information leading to his arrest.