Samuel Asamoah, a 31-year-old Togo international midfielder, is at risk of paralysis after breaking his neck in a collision with an advertising board during a match in China. The incident occurred on Sunday when Asamoah, playing for Guangxi Pingguo against Chongqing Tonglianglong, crashed head-first into an LED panel.
Medical staff rushed to treat the player, who remained on the ground. On Monday, his club revealed that Asamoah suffered multiple fractures to his neck and extensive nerve damage, putting him at risk of "high-level paraplegia." The club confirmed that the player underwent surgery and is in a stable condition, but added that his career may be seriously affected.
A club statement said: "Guangxi Pingguo FC sincerely thanks all fans and all walks of life for their concern and support for Samuel Asamoah. His recovery progress will be announced in due course after follow-up examinations."
Asamoah began his career at the Aspire Academy in 2012 and spent five years with Eupen in Belgium before moving to Sint-Truiden, where he made 115 appearances. He later played for FC U Craiova and Qingdao Red Lions before joining Guangxi Pingguo this year, making 24 appearances across all competitions.
The incident follows the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar last month. The 21-year-old sustained a serious brain injury during a match for Chichester City in September and passed away on September 25. His family said: "After sustaining a significant brain injury... he was put in an induced coma. On Tuesday he needed an operation... the injury proved too much for him."
