Sad News In Soccer

Italian soccer player Piermario Morosini

Some sad news this weekend from the world of European soccer, with the passing of Piermario Morosini, from an apparent heart-attack while on the field. The death sent shockwaves through the soccer community. Soccer is a very close knit community and a death like this often effects many people. Morosini had played for several different clubs in Italy and the Under 21 Italian National Team.

Fabrice Mumba in the hospital, posted to his Twitter

Morosini was only 25, which seems to young for a heart-attack, especially considering the fact that as a professional athlete Morosini was healthy. This tragic death comes soon after a similar incident in England. On March 17, Fabrice Mumba suffered a heart attack during a match between Bolton and Tottenham Hotspur. Fortunately, Mumba was revived by field medical staff and hospital doctors and has begun what will certainty be a long road to recovery. It is questionable whether Mumba will be able to play again.

Team tribute to Marc-Viven Foé

With tragedies like this, it makes me wonder how common it is for soccer players, or any other athlete to suffer a heart attack while participating in their sport. After a little research, it seems to more common than we might like.  My research reminded me of another heart related football tragedy from 2003. Marc-Viven Foé passed away while playing for Cameroon in the FIFA Confederations Cup. Foé and Morisini join a rather lengthy list of footballer players who died on the field playing soccer. According to my very unscientific research no less than 18 soccer players have died on the field, or shortly after leaving the field, due to some heart related condition. Of soccer players who have died during their career, the second most number of players have died due to heart attack, second only to car accidents.

These tragedies are not unique only to soccer. They are also common in football and track and field. More sports players have died during wars or from homicide, but the second most athletes have died from heart attacks. Many of these athletes causes of death have been determined to be hidden heart defects, such as cardiomyopathy. These deseases are often difficult for doctors to detect and are commonly made worse during physical activity. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that we will see a decline in these instances any time soon. Fortunately, leagues are more aware of these problems and have placed defibrillators on the sides of the field. In 2003 FIFA ordered all stadiums to have defibrillators on the side of the field at all international matches.

It is also worth noting that athletes sometimes suffer heart attacks even after retiring from professional sports. Bobby Rhine, a former soccer player for FC Dallas passed away from a heart attack. Rhine had been retired for three years before his death.