World Cup star Lucas Radebe survived being shot in the back in a brutal attack before becoming a Leeds United legend and captaining South Africa. The 57-year-old emerged from humble beginnings in Soweto, Johannesburg, and went on to lead his country at two World Cups.
Surviving a Shooting
In 1991, while out shopping for his mother in Soweto, Radebe was randomly shot in his vehicle. He initially did not realize he had been hit. He told FourFourTwo: 'I was heading off to buy drinks in bulk, which my mother would then resell. I was going about my business a few blocks from my house, when I heard a loud bang. It felt like my back was on fire. I saw blood all over the seat.'
Radebe feared he would be paralyzed, but miraculously the bullet missed all vital organs. He added: 'Not a lot of people would have survived that – I was extremely fortunate to be alive. When I was recovering from surgery, my first question to the doctors was, Am I going to be able to play football again?'
Career and Legacy
After recovering, Radebe moved to Leeds United in 1994 for £250,000, a transfer that remains one of the club's best. He made over 250 appearances for Leeds and earned 70 caps for South Africa, captaining them at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. He also won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996.
Radebe's story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity, inspiring many in his homeland and beyond.
