ITV World Cup pundit Nadia Nadim was forced to leave the broadcaster's studio during a match after receiving devastating news that her mother had been killed by a truck. The former Denmark international, 38, was part of ITV's punditry team for the tournament in North America but abruptly left during Denmark's opening group-stage clash with Tunisia.
Nadim's Emotional Tribute on Instagram
In an emotional post on Instagram, Nadim wrote: "Tuesday morning my Mother was killed by a truck. She was on her way back from the gym. Words cannot describe what I’m feeling. I have lost the most important person in my life and it happened so sudden and unexpected." She added that her mother was only 57 and described her as "a warrior who had fought for every inch of her life." Nadim continued: "She didn’t give me life once but twice, and everything I / we are, is because of her. I have lost my home, and I know nothing’s gonna ever feel the same."
ITV's Response and Support
A spokesperson for ITV said: "Everyone at ITV, those working with Nadia in Qatar, and the wider company, is deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic news. We have offered Nadia our support and our thoughts are with her and those closest to her at this incredibly difficult time."
Nadim's Background and Previous Tragedies
This is not the first tragedy Nadim has faced. She was born in Afghanistan and fled the country as a child after her father, an Afghan Army general, was executed by the Taliban. Nadim, her mother, and four sisters eventually settled in Denmark as refugees, where she discovered football. She went on to earn 108 caps for Denmark and played for clubs including Manchester City.
Nadim has also pursued an academic career, studying medicine remotely at Aarhus University, and has spoken of her ambition to become a surgeon. She speaks 11 languages: Danish, English, Spanish, French, German, Persian, Dari, Urdu, Hindi, Arabic, and Latin.
Nadim has not appeared as a pundit during this summer's World Cup, focusing instead on her playing career with Danish side HB Koge. Denmark's men's national team also failed to qualify for the tournament.
