A number of players have been forced to retire from the beautiful game of football due to various health problems, including cardiac arrest and heart attack.
As pleasing as it is to the eyes, football, on the part of the players, is a physically demanding sport that can take a toll on players' bodies, despite rigorous training and nutrition plans.
Similarly, injuries and health issues are unfortunate realities, and sometimes, even the best care and precautions cannot prevent or resolve heart-related problems.
Hence, we take a look at 8 players that retired from football due to heart problems.
Sergio Aguero (Cardiac Arrhythmia)
Sergio Aguero's highly anticipated transfer to Barcelona in 2021 failed to live up to expectations, as his time on the pitch was cut short. After just five appearances, Aguero was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia during a match against Deportivo Alaves in the 2021/22 season. On medical advice, he made the difficult decision to retire, a move that cruelly denied him the opportunity to participate in Argentina's triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign.
Lilian Thuram (Enlarged Heart)
Lilian Thuram, a 1998 World Cup winner, was still performing exceptionally at 36. However, his illustrious career was abruptly cut short in 2008 when a medical diagnosis revealed a heart defect. The condition, an enlarged heart, forced him to abandon his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain and ultimately led to his retirement in August 2008. Tragically, Thuram's brother had previously succumbed to the same condition, making the diagnosis particularly saddening.
Iker Casillas (Heart Attack)
Despite his advancing age, Iker Casillas remained an exceptional goalkeeper, consistently delivering impressive performances. However, it wasn't 'Father Time' that ultimately forced his retirement, but a health scare. In 2019, Casillas suffered a heart attack during a training session with Porto. Following a year-long recovery, the Spanish legend decided to hang up his gloves, bringing an end to his illustrious career.
Miguel Angel Garcia Tebar (Cardiac Arrest)
Salamanca's 2010 acquisition of Miguel Ángel García Tebar from Las Palmas initially thrilled fans. However, their optimism was swiftly tempered when García Tebar collapsed on the pitch due to a cardiac arrest during an October fixture against Real Betis. Consequently, medical professionals sprang into action, working to stabilize his heart before transporting him to medical facilities for further treatment.
Fabrice Ndala Muamba (Cardiac Arrest)
In a shocking incident, Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch during Bolton Wanderers' quarterfinal clash with Tottenham Hotspur in 2011. Diagnosed with a cardiac arrest, Muamba's life was saved thanks to swift medical intervention. However, the severity of the incident necessitated his retirement from professional football just three months later.
Ruben de la Red (Heart Ailment)
Following a successful spell at Getafe, Ruben de la Red returned to Real Madrid, where he started as an academy prospect. However, his promising career was abruptly halted in 2008 when he suffered a heart condition during a Copa del Rey match against Real Unión. The setback forced him into a two-year hiatus, ultimately leading to his retirement in 2010 at just 25 years old.
Abdelhak Nouri (Cardiac Arrhythmia)
Abdelhak Nouri's promising football career was cruelly cut short in 2017. The 20-year-old Ajax academy prospect collapsed during a pre-season friendly against Werder Bremen, suffering cardiac arrhythmia. Unfortunately, Nouri's condition deteriorated, resulting in severe brain damage. Following a three-year coma, Nouri regained consciousness. His family has taken legal action against Ajax, claiming the club failed to provide proper medical care during the incident.
Enock Mwepu (Hereditary Heart Condition)
Enock Mwepu's promising career at Brighton was tragically cut short in 2022 due to a hereditary heart condition. At just 24, Mwepu was forced to retire from professional football. Despite this setback, his passion for the sport remains unwavering. He has expressed his desire to stay involved in football and has taken his first steps towards a new chapter, being appointed as the head coach of Brighton's Under-9 team.
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