Togolese football star Samuel Asamoah has been left facing a ‘high risk’ of paralysis after smashing into an advertising board. The 31-year-old was featuring in a Chinese second division fixture for Guangxi Pingguo against Chongqing Tonglianglong when the horrific incident occurred.
Video footage from the match captured the devastating moment Asamoah tumbled following a shoulder challenge with opposition midfielder Zhang Zhixiong. The midfielder plunged head-first into the advertising hoardings surrounding the pitch and remained motionless on the ground. Medical staff raced to assist him but his club’s diagnosis proves deeply concerning.
His condition was revealed in a Monday statement confirming he faces a ‘high risk of paraplegia’, having suffered multiple neck fractures and extensive nerve damage.
Asamoah’s club confirmed he had undergone surgery and would be absent for the season’s remaining fixtures, stating that ‘his career may also be seriously affected’.
On Wednesday, an updated statement declared: “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 boasts six international appearances for Togo and spent most of his playing career in Belgium before transferring to Romania in 2021. He subsequently joined Chinese outfit Qingdao Red Lions in 2024, moving to his present club after merely one campaign.
The tragic news follows the recent death of Chichester City and former Arsenal striker Billy Vigar, 21, who tragically passed away last month.
The youngster hit his head on a concrete wall while playing at Wingate and Finchley in the Isthmian League Premier Division.
Vigar was airlifted to hospital and placed in an induced coma but sadly succumbed to his brain injuries days later.
In response to this tragedy, the FA have announced plans to conduct a safety review of perimeter walls at non-league grounds.
