How Togo Midfielder Samuel Asamoah Suffered Broken Neck In Chinese League Match

Togolese international Samuel Asamoah is facing a long road to recovery after suffering a broken neck in a horrific on-field accident during a Chinese League One match at the weekend.

Samuel Asamoah, a 31-year-old midfielder, who plays for Guangxi Pingguo, was rushed to the hospital after crashing head-first into an LED advertising board during Sunday’s game. The impact occurred after he was pushed by an opposing player, Chongqing Tonglianglong’s Zhang Zhixiong, who received only a yellow card for the incident.

Guangxi Pingguo confirmed on Monday that Asamoah sustained multiple neck fractures and severe nerve damage, leaving him at risk of what doctors described as “high-level paraplegia.” The term refers to a loss of movement and sensation in the lower parts of the body.

In a statement, the club said the midfielder had undergone surgery and is now in a stable condition. “His recovery progress will be announced in due course after follow-up examinations,” Guangxi Pingguo added.

The disturbing incident has sparked concern among fans and players across the continent, with messages of support pouring in for the former Sint-Truiden and KAS Eupen midfielder.

Asamoah began his professional career in Belgium, where he spent nearly a decade before moving to China in 2024. He has made six appearances for the Togo national team since his debut in 2019.

The accident comes just weeks after the tragic death of former Arsenal academy striker Billy Vigar, who passed away from a severe brain injury sustained while playing for Chichester City in England’s Isthmian League Premier Division.

Vigar, 21, was believed to have hit a pitch-side concrete wall during a match, though the club has yet to officially confirm the cause of his injury.