Cameroonian football star Vincent Aboubakar has revealed that he once considered taking his own life following the death of his mother while he was playing for French side Valenciennes.
The captain of the Indomitable Lions shared the emotional account of how the tragedy affected his mental health during a critical phase in his career.
The incident occurred at a time when Aboubakar was hoping to improve his family’s living conditions through his footballing success.
Speaking candidly, Aboubakar admitted that the devastating loss pushed him to the brink, with only the presence of his children providing the strength to carry on.
“I lost both my parents in a short space of time. When my father died, I was in Valenciennes.
I was even hospitalized at the time, and I left sick. I had a hard time realizing it, because my father was already in a critical condition before he left us,” he said.
The 32-year-old striker went on to describe how the death of his mother shortly after his father’s passing deepened his emotional turmoil.
“When my mother died, it was very difficult for me because I had just begun to flourish in football.
I think I could commit suicide, but the presence of my children kept me going,” he added.
Aboubakar’s revelations shed light on the mental struggles athletes often face behind the scenes.
The Cameroonian forward has since become one of the most prominent figures in African football, having represented his country in multiple international tournaments.
His story underscores the importance of mental health support for athletes, particularly those navigating personal tragedies alongside their professional careers.
The veteran striker’s openness about his ordeal has been widely praised, with many commending his courage in sharing such a deeply personal experience.
