Ziad El Sheiwi (foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Former Austria Vienna prospect Ziad El Sheiwi ended his career at 22 after repeated knee injuries and five cruciate ligament tears destroyed his football journey.
Ziad El Sheiwi was once seen as one of the brightest young talents in Austrian football. Today, at only 22 years old, his playing career is already over.
The former Austria Vienna defender announced his retirement after years of devastating injuries that completely changed the course of his life and career.
Over the last four years, El Sheiwi suffered an unbelievable series of setbacks. He tore his cruciate ligaments five times and underwent eight knee surgeries.
The Austrian full-back made his first-team debut as a 17-year-old and quickly attracted attention with his talent and athletic ability. But shortly after breaking into senior football, injuries began to destroy his momentum.
Every time he fought his way back, another serious setback followed.
In an emotional message announcing his retirement, El Sheiwi explained the painful reality behind his decision.
"Sometimes it is not the will that decides, sometimes the body forces you to make a decision."
The defender officially joined Austria Vienna’s senior squad in 2021, but injuries limited him to only seven first-team appearances. He managed one assist and also represented Austria at youth international level.
What once looked like the beginning of a major career instead became one of football’s saddest injury stories.
Despite his young age, El Sheiwi now steps away from the sport after years of rehabilitation, surgeries, and physical pain that ultimately left his body unable to continue.