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The physically demanding nature of football can lead to serious health issues, including cardiac problems. Below are eight players who were compelled to retire from the sport due to heart-related conditions.
- Sergio Aguero (Cardiac Arrhythmia)
- Aguero’s much-anticipated move to Barcelona in 2021 ended prematurely when he was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia after a match against Deportivo Alaves. Despite his desire to play, medical advice led him to retire, preventing him from joining Argentina in their 2022 World Cup victory.
- Lilian Thuram (Enlarged Heart)
- The 1998 World Cup winner had an illustrious career but was forced to retire in 2008 after being diagnosed with an enlarged heart. This condition also forced him to abandon a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, adding to the heartbreak as his brother had previously succumbed to the same issue.
- Iker Casillas (Heart Attack)
- Renowned for his goalkeeping skills, Casillas suffered a heart attack during a training session with Porto in 2019. After a year of recovery, he decided to retire, ending a stellar career filled with numerous accolades.
- Miguel Angel Garcia Tebar (Cardiac Arrest)
- García Tebar collapsed on the pitch during a match for Salamanca against Real Betis in October 2010 due to cardiac arrest. Quick medical intervention saved his life, but the incident marked the end of his professional career.
- Fabrice Ndala Muamba (Cardiac Arrest)
- During a quarterfinal match in 2011, Muamba collapsed on the pitch while playing for Bolton Wanderers due to a cardiac arrest. His life was saved thanks to immediate medical response, but he had to retire just three months later.
- Ruben de la Red (Heart Ailment)
- After returning to Real Madrid from Getafe, De la Red was diagnosed with a heart condition during a Copa del Rey match in 2008. His career ended prematurely at just 25 years old after a two-year break for recovery.
- Abdelhak Nouri (Cardiac Arrhythmia)
- Nouri’s career took a tragic turn in 2017 when he collapsed during a pre-season friendly for Ajax due to cardiac arrhythmia. The incident resulted in severe brain damage, and although he regained consciousness after three years in a coma, his playing days were over.
- Enock Mwepu (Hereditary Heart Condition)
- Mwepu’s promising career with Brighton came to an end in 2022 due to a hereditary heart condition diagnosed at the age of 24. Despite retiring, he remains involved in football as the head coach of Brighton’s Under-9 team.
These cases highlight the inherent risks associated with professional sports and the importance of monitoring player health.
