Senegalese defender Noah Fadiga is determined to relaunch his football career despite facing significant health challenges. After collapsing during a match with La Gantoise due to heart issues, the 24-year-old remains focused on returning to the pitch.
Fadiga’s career took a worrying turn on November 10 when he collapsed on the field during a game against Standard de Liège after experiencing a cardiac arrhythmia, which was later diagnosed as myocarditis.
Following the incident, the former Brest player underwent surgery to have a defibrillator implanted to regulate his heart rate.
Despite the setback, Fadiga is resolute about his future. “I still have to take care of myself for a few weeks. I should resume full training in January.
I am looking forward to playing again. An upcoming scan should confirm my good health,” he told Sporza.
Inspired by the remarkable recovery of Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen, who returned to professional football after suffering a similar condition, Fadiga remains optimistic.
“I would have preferred not to have this system, but the main thing is that everything is going well. I am healthy and optimistic.
I believe I am now the safest player on the pitch,” he said, putting his situation into perspective.
Fadiga’s medical challenges have not been easy, especially after his license was revoked in 2023 due to health concerns, forcing him to leave France.
However, he found a new opportunity with Belgian club La Gantoise, who showed faith in him after thorough testing.
His journey bears similarities to that of his father, Khalilou Fadiga, a former Senegalese international.
In 2003, Khalilou’s move to Inter Milan fell through for medical reasons, but he persevered, continuing his career in England and Belgium until his retirement in 2011.
Now, Noah is following in his father’s footsteps, facing adversity head-on with renewed determination.
