‘Heart Condition’ Forces 22-Year-Old Professional Footballer to Retire

Lars Dendoncker, a former rising prospect for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, has announced his retirement due to a heart condition.

Dendoncker, 22, in December 2022 said he suffered from myocarditis.

He said via Instagram last December:

I have been through tough times the past few months. Six months ago I was about to make a transfer to a new club. I did my medical and something wasn’t right with my heart condition. I suffered from myocarditis. But I did not have many symptoms. I had to stop playing football for 3 months and undergo further examination. I am still waiting for some second opinions and will keep everyone posted on my future.

I want to thank everyone who supported me during this period!

In an update this week, the Belgian footballer announced his professional career is over.

Per Instagram:

As a child, I only had one dream. Become a professional football player. But my professional career and dream has come to a very early end. Because of my heart condition, I have decided to stop playing because of my own health. This was and will be the hardest decision ever in my life. But there is no going back and I have to look in the future. This will take time to process.

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I’ve learned a lot throughout the years and had to sacrifice a lot. So this really hurts.

11 years at the academy of Club Bruges where I made a lot of friends. 2 beautiful years with Brighton and a loan move to St. Johnstone where I made my professional debut.

I want to thank all the players and staff that I have worked with.

https://twitter.com/David83823494/status/1684927244077002759

Lars Dendoncker has retired at the age of 22 due to a heart condition.

The defender says it was 'hardest decision ever in my life' and that it will take time to fully process.

Good luck on your next chapter, Lars! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vdRwpLHJhn

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 27, 2023

Lars Dendoncker has been forced to retire over a heart condition.

We’re all with you, Lars. 💙 pic.twitter.com/ht55TSVlxS

— PurelyFootball ℗ (@PurelyFootball) July 26, 2023

In related news, rising World Cup star Linda Caicedo, 18, clutched her chest and fell to the ground while training in Sydney, Australia.

The Colombian sensation lost consciousness for at least 90 seconds and was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.

According to reports, Caicedo was released from the hospital but likely won’t play in her country’s upcoming contest against Germany.

(WATCH) Rising World Cup Star Collapses at Practice

Also, ESPN soccer analyst and former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, 54, collapsed during a live broadcast Sunday evening.

The former Newcastle United standout, who appeared in the 2006 World Cup for Trinidad and Tobago, dropped to the ground while discussing AC Milan’s friendly with Real Madrid with broadcast partner Dan Thomas.

(WATCH) ESPN Presenter Collapses on TV