Lamisha Musonda (foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Former Chelsea academy midfielder Lamisha Musonda has revealed he is battling a rare illness and believes he has only days left to live.
Former Chelsea academy player Lamisha Musonda has shared a deeply emotional message, revealing he is battling a rare illness and believes he has only a few days left to live.
The 33-year-old, who developed at Chelsea alongside his brothers, made the announcement in a personal statement reflecting on his life, pain, and gratitude toward those who supported him.
“I only have a few days left ahead of me, and I think a lot about the people who stood by my side,” Musonda wrote.
“Life is hard, but the view is beautiful. There are ups and downs, and no one truly understands the pain people carry inside.”
“My health is critical”
Musonda explained that the past two years have been especially difficult and that his silence was due to the seriousness of his condition.
“With great sadness I must say that things are not looking good in my fight for life. I have to face the facts—my health is critical and I am fighting for every single day,” he wrote.
“Thank you for the prayers and kind words. I truly believe they help.”
One of the hardest realities for Musonda to accept, he said, is that he may not have enough time to personally say goodbye to everyone who meant so much to him.
“We fight. I will not give up. Not until my final breath,” he added.
“I have had a beautiful life, and there are so many people I wish I could thank in person one last time. The fact that I may not have enough time hurts deeply. I still feel I have so much to give as a human being.”
Reactions from across football
The message has prompted an outpouring of support from across the football world. Among those who have responded publicly are Romelu Lukaku and former Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia, both offering words of encouragement and solidarity.
The Musonda brothers
Lamisha Musonda retired from professional football in 2020. His younger brother Charly Musonda Jr ended his career last year after spells with Chelsea, Vitesse, Celtic, Real Betis, Levante and Anderlecht, most recently playing in Cyprus.
The third brother, Tika Musonda, now 31, also passed through Chelsea’s system but retired early and currently works as a scout for Liverpool.
All three brothers joined Chelsea’s youth academy in 2012, arriving from Anderlecht, once regarded as one of Europe’s most promising football families.