Footballers Experiencing Alzheimer's Disease: A Look at 10 Cases
In the world of football, legends like Sir Bobby Charlton and Ferenc Puskás have left an indelible mark. However, their careers have been marred by a tragic turn of events: both were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. While extensive information on other famous players specifically diagnosed with Alzheimer's is scarce, it's clear that the disease has impacted the football community.
Ferenc Puskás, a Hungarian footballing icon, was diagnosed in 2000, making him one of the most well-documented cases among the elite. Other players, such as Nobby Stiles, have been affected by dementia, although specific Alzheimer's diagnoses are less prevalent.
In recent years, several high-profile footballers have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Paddy Kenny, an Irish former goalkeeper who played for Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers, and Leeds United, was diagnosed at the young age of 42 in 2020.
Johan Cruyff, a Dutch footballing maestro who won three Ballon d'Or awards and is renowned for his innovative style of play, passed away in 2016 after a battle with lung cancer. It was later revealed that he had also been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease before his death.
Dave Mackay, a Scottish footballer who played for Hearts, Tottenham Hotspur, and Derby County, was diagnosed in 2015 and passed away the same year at the age of 80. Willem van Hanegem, a former Dutch player who played for Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar, was diagnosed in 2020 and is currently living with the disease while raising awareness about its impact.
Jimmy Hill, an English footballer, manager, and television personality, was diagnosed in 2015 and passed away the same year at the age of 87. Stan Bowles, a former player for Queens Park Rangers and Manchester City, was diagnosed in 2015 and passed away in 2019 at the age of 69.
More recently, Johan Neeskens, a former Dutch player who played for Ajax, Barcelona, and the Netherlands national team, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2022. Frank Worthington, a former English player who played for Huddersfield Town, Leicester City, and Bolton Wanderers, was diagnosed in 2016 and passed away in 2021 at the age of 72.
These diagnoses serve as a stark reminder of the potential long-term effects of a career in football. While more research is needed to fully understand the link between football and Alzheimer's, it is clear that the disease has had a significant impact on some of the sport's most celebrated figures.
- Notable figures in sports like football, such as Johan Neeskens and Frank Worthington, have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the potential long-term health implications of athletic careers.
- Medical-conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease have affected several prominent football players, including Nobby Stiles and Jimmie Hill, who were diagnosed post-retirement.
- Neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's, have impacted various legends of the footballing world, such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Ferenc Puskás, and Johan Cruyff.
- Health-and-wellness issues, such as Alzheimer's, are not exclusive to football and have also been diagnosed in players of other sports, like soccer, as seen in the cases of Paddy Kenny and Willem van Hanegem.
