Brighton midfielder Enock Mwepu retires at 24 over heart condition

Brighton midfielder Enock Mwepu has been forced to retire from football at the age of 24 because of a hereditary heart condition.

A statement from Brighton on Monday morning revealed that Mwepu would have an extremely high risk of suffering a “fatal cardiac arrest” should he continue playing competitive football.

In a statement on Twitter, he said:

“A boy from a small Zambian town called Chambishi has some news to share. He stood strong to follow his dream of playing football at the highest level, and by the grace of God he lived his dream by reaching the Premier League.

“Some dreams however come to an end, so it is with sadness that I announce the need to hang up my boots because of the medical advice I have received. This is however not to end my involvement with football, I plan to stay involved in some capacity.”

Here’s the tweet:

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Brighton puts out a statement on Enock Mwepu

Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. chairman Tony Bloom has told the club’s official website:

“We are all absolutely devastated for Enock. He and his family have had a traumatic few weeks and while we are just thankful he has come through that period, he has seen such a promising career cut short at such a young age. As a club we will give him all the love, help and support we possibly can to make a full recovery, and then as he decides on the next steps in his life.”

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi said:

“I am so sorry for Enock. Before I arrived I looked at all the squad, and he was a player I was so excited and looking forward to working with. We will do everything we can to help him.”

Enock Mwepu featured in all six of Brighton’s Premier League games this season before the September international break and played 27 times for the club since joining from Red Bull Salzburg in July 2021. The midfielder also scored six goals in 23 appearances for the Zambian national team.

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