The football world was rocked on Monday when social media claimed Eric Abidal had died.
The Barcelona legend, who famously overcame liver cancer during his playing career, became the subject of false reports that he had passed away after a second transplant.
The 46-year-old, a Champions League winner with Barca and a former France international, was forced to step in and clear things up himself.
For a player remembered for battling back on the pitch after illness, it was a surreal twist to see him fighting off fake news years later.
Eric Abidal: “I am fine, I am alive”
Abidal responded directly on Instagram, writing: “Some rumors should never exist. I am here, with my family, and everything is fine. Respect is essential. There’s a family and my children behind this. To be clear: I am fine, I am alive and in good health. Let’s focus on what really matters.”
His words ended hours of online panic. Many fans had been caught off guard by the viral claims, which spread quickly on X, as per French outlet Le Parisien.
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The false story played on Abidal’s real health history, making it all the more cruel.
A cruel twist on an inspiring story
Back in 2011, Abidal was diagnosed with a liver tumor. He had surgery, later needed a transplant, and still managed to return to top-level football with Barcelona before continuing his career at Monaco and Olympiacos.
His comeback was one of the most emotional in modern football.
That past battle may have made the latest rumor feel believable to some. But the truth is clear — Abidal remains healthy and very much alive.
After retiring in 2014, he even served as Barcelona’s director of football, staying close to the game he loves.
For now, the ex-defender has put the focus back on his family and urged everyone to stop spreading fake news.
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