Ex-Barcelona star rushed to hospital after collapsing in Turkey
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Rey Manaj playing for Barcelona | Imago

Ex-Barcelona star rushed to hospital after collapsing in Turkey

Ayoola Kelechi 21:22 - 09.03.2025

The former Barcelona player left the pitch unconscious after a nasty collision

Former Barcelona forward Rey Manaj was rushed to the hospital, unconscious, after a terrifying collision during Sivasspor’s clash with Goztepe in the Turkish Super Lig.

The incident left fans in shock as medical staff quickly responded to the striker’s distressing collapse on the pitch.

Horrific collision leaves Manaj unconscious

The alarming moment unfolded just three minutes into the match when Manaj met a cross from Efkan Bekiroglu with a powerful header that struck the crossbar.

However, as he landed, he clashed heavily with Goztepe defender Koray Gunter and immediately collapsed to the ground.

Sivasspor’s medical team rushed onto the pitch as Manaj remained motionless, prompting officials to call for an ambulance. The Albanian striker was quickly stretchered off and transported to the hospital for emergency care.

Unfortunately for Sivasspor, Veljko Simic, who came on to replace Manaj in the 9th minute, also suffered a serious injury after colliding with Bekiroglu in the 33rd minute.

The Serbian winger, like his teammate before him, had to be stretchered off and taken to the hospital.

Club confirms Manaj has regained consciousness

Following the chaotic scenes, Sivasspor released a statement confirming that Manaj had regained consciousness after receiving medical attention.

The statement read, "Our player lost consciousness after a collision in the third minute of the match against Goztepe.

Following initial medical intervention on the field, he was taken to the hospital by ambulance, where he regained consciousness. Further tests will be conducted, and we will share updates on his condition with the public."

Despite the scare, both Manaj and Simic remain under medical observation, though no official diagnosis has been given.