10 Soccer Players Who Had Alzheimer’s Disease

As soccer fans, we often celebrate the accomplishments of our favorite players on the field, but it’s important to remember that they are human beings who can be affected by illness, including Alzheimer’s disease. 

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the soccer players who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and the impact it had on their lives and careers. 

So, whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or simply interested in learning more about this disease, keep reading to discover the stories of some of the most talented and beloved soccer players who have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Here are the famous soccer players who had Alzheimer’s disease

1. Sir Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton was a forward who played for Manchester United and the England national team. He won the World Cup with England in 1966 and was named the Ballon d’Or winner in 1966. In 2017, it was announced that Charlton had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. 

The news was met with sadness from fans all over the world. Charlton’s contribution to soccer cannot be overstated, and his diagnosis served as a reminder that Alzheimer’s disease can affect anyone, no matter how successful or accomplished they are.

2. Nobby Stiles

Stiles was a midfielder who played for Manchester United and the England national team. He won the World Cup with England in 1966 and was known for his tough-tackling style of play. Stiles was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2010, and he passed away in 2020 at the age of 78. Stiles’ death was a reminder of the toll that Alzheimer’s disease can take on an individual and their family.

3. Jimmy Hill

Jimmy Hill was an English soccer player, manager, and television personality. He played for various English clubs, including Fulham and Brentford, and went on to become a successful manager. He was also a popular television presenter and pundit. In 2015, it was announced that Hill had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 87.

4. Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff was a forward who played for Ajax, Barcelona, and the Netherlands national team. He won three Ballon d’Or awards and was known for his innovative style of play. In 2016, it was announced that Cruyff had passed away after a battle with lung cancer. 

However, it was later revealed that he had also been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease before his death. Cruyff’s contribution to soccer cannot be overstated, and his passing was a reminder of the importance of raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Stan Bowles

Stan Bowles was an English soccer player who played for various English clubs, including Queens Park Rangers and Manchester City. He was known for his skill and technique on the field and was a fan favorite. In 2015, it was announced that Bowles had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 69.

6. Frank Worthington

Frank Worthington was an English soccer player who played for various English clubs, including Huddersfield Town, Leicester City, and Bolton Wanderers. He was known for his skill and flamboyant style of play and was a fan favorite. In 2016, it was announced that Worthington had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 72.

7. Paddy Kenny

Paddy Kenny is an Irish former soccer player who played as a goalkeeper for various English clubs, including Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers, and Leeds United. He was known for his shot-stopping abilities and was a fan favorite. In 2020, it was announced that Kenny had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 42.

8. Johan Neeskens

Johan Neeskens is a former Dutch soccer player who played for Ajax, Barcelona, and the Netherlands national team. He was known for his skill and versatility on the field and was a key player for the Dutch team that reached the World Cup final in 1974. In 2022, it was announced that Neeskens had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

9. Dave Mackay

Dave Mackay was a Scottish soccer player who played for various clubs, including Hearts, Tottenham Hotspur, and Derby County. He was known for his tough tackling and leadership on the field and was widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation. In 2015, it was announced that Mackay had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 80.

10. Willem van Hanegem

Hanegem is a former Dutch soccer player who played for various clubs, including Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar. He was known for his skill and technique on the field and was a key player for the Dutch national team that reached the World Cup final in 1974. In 2020, it was announced that van Hanegem had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He is currently living with the disease and raising awareness about the impact it can have on individuals and their families.

Conclusion

Soccer players who had Alzheimer’s disease remind us that this disease can affect anyone, regardless of their achievements or status. These players brought joy and excitement to millions of fans around the world, and their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and supporting research efforts to find a cure. As we celebrate their legacies, let us also continue to work towards a future where no one has to face the devastating effects of this disease.