In a story that has stunned the global football community, Togolese international Samuel Asamoah, who tragically fractured his neck during a match in China, is set to defy doctors’ initial fears and may return to professional football within months.

The 31-year-old midfielder’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous, turning a potential career-ending injury into a remarkable comeback narrative.

The Terrifying Incident

The injury occurred earlier this month while Asamoah was playing for his second-tier club, Guangxi Pingguo. After being shoved by an opponent while chasing the ball, he violently collided head-first into a pitch-side LED advertising panel.

At the time, the prognosis was grim. His club warned of neck fractures and nerve damage, noting the severe risk of “high-level paraplegia” and fearing his career was over.

Agent and club confirm return timeline

Less than a month later, Asamoah’s condition has improved dramatically.

His agent, Avram Marius, conveyed immense optimism to AFP, confirming the player is “ok” and “doing the recovery.” Marius was confident, suggesting Asamoah could be “playing normally in two months.”

The club, while more cautious, still provided an astonishingly short timeline, estimating the midfielder’s return to the game would be between three to six months. A Guangxi representative noted that Asamoah is currently focused on “basic strength recovery.”

The player’s incredible progress was recently showcased in a team video where Asamoah, wearing a neck brace, was seen walking with ease and shaking hands at an elderly care centre. He offered a simple, heartfelt message of gratitude: “I always thank God for the gift of life.”

Asamoah, who spent the majority of his career in Belgium before moving to China last year, has six caps for the Togo national team. His fight to return to the pitch offers immense inspiration to athletes worldwide.