Alexis Beka Beka’s life took an unexpected turn on September 29, 2023, when the 22-year-old OGC Nice player faced a personal crisis that transcended the realm of sports.
For the past five months, football has been a distant echo for Beka Beka. In a poignant incident, he found himself on the Magnan viaduct, contemplating a drastic step.
The pain he carried within, unrelated to the widely speculated romantic reasons, reached a breaking point. It was a moment that transcended football and spoke to the vulnerability of athletes as human beings.
The OGC Nice player halted his car on the emergency lane, standing perilously close to the edge, 100 meters above the ground.
Promptly alerted by concerned motorists, authorities intervened swiftly to prevent a tragedy. The club, too, rushed to his side, emphasizing the importance of mental health support in the football community.
Beka Beka’s struggle, often concealed behind the glamour of football, reflects the universal challenges faced by individuals. Jean-Pierre Rivère, president of OGC Nice, emphasized the importance of respecting medical confidentiality and urged privacy for the player.
Coach Francisco Farioli acknowledged the impact on the entire football community, recognizing the role of the club psychologist in providing support. “Footballers tend to think they are superstars, but they are humans like us,” Farioli stated, urging openness about mental health in the sports world.
Since the incident, Beka Beka has been following a healing protocol, spending three months in a Nice-based medical facility before reuniting with his family in Normandy.
Surrounded by loved ones, he engages in daily sports sessions, both for his mind and body.
The journey to recovery is personal, and Beka Beka, who remains on sick leave until May, is taking it one day at a time.
Despite the uncertainty about his return to football, the OGC Nice midfielder’s resilience is evident.
The club, honoring their commitment until 2027, leaves the door open for his potential return. As Beka Beka navigates his path to recovery, the focus remains on his well-being beyond the football pitch, offering a powerful reminder of the human stories behind the sport.
