Rosen Bozhinov, message after the scare: “My body told me to ‘stop’”

On Sunday afternoon, the soccer world came to a standstill after Rosen Bozhinov collapsed. The Pisa defender, playing in Castellammare against Juve Stabia, collapsed while the ball was out of play, setting off an alarm: the medical staff rushed onto the field, and after receiving initial treatment, the player was taken to the hospital.

Fortunately, it doesn’t seem to be anything serious, and Bozhinov himself updated fans via Instagram: “Yesterday was one of those moments that make you stop for a second and realize how fragile everything is. I took the field as always, eager to fight, give my all, and help the team. But this time, my body told me to ‘stop.’ Many people were worried, which is why I want to tell you personally: I’m fine.”

“Thank you to everyone who stood by me in that moment: my teammates, the coaches, the medical staff, my family, and every single person who texted or called me,” continued the Pisa defender. “Soccer has taught me how to fall and get back up. Yesterday I fell in a way I’ll never forget, but the most important thing is that I’ll get back up.”

“Now I’m focusing on my recovery and coming back stronger than before. I don’t know exactly when that will happen, but I know one thing: I won’t give up. Thank you for all the love and support. It means more than any words can express.” In the comments section, countless fans—as well as teammates and opponents—expressed their solidarity with Bozhinov and wished him a speedy recovery.

Matteo Bassetti, a medical and scientific writer, posted on X: “Do we really have to wait for someone to get sick to realize that you can’t play like this? Soccer games at 3:00 p.m., in sweltering heat, aren’t a test of character. They’re a choice that can turn into a health risk.”