Footballer demands to keep playing after being revived from on-field cardiac arrest

A Spanish football match had to be abandoned after a player suffered a cardiac arrest mid-game.

The Sun reports that the Spanish third-tier match between Cordoba and Racing Ferrol came to an end in the 11th minute after a shocking incident unfolded.

Cordoba star Dragisa Gudelj collapsed on the field to the concern of everyone inside Estadio Nuevo Arcangel stadium.

According to the Spanish outlet Marca, Gudelj suffered a cardiac arrest in scenes similar to that of Christian Eriksen’s incident in 2021.

An ambulance was rushed onto the field as medical staff successfully managed to revive the player to the relief of everyone involved.

The centre-back was put on a stretcher as the crowd showed their support with a standing ovation.

Gudelj left the field while conscious but not before he appeared to indicate that he wanted to carry on with the game.

Sometimes you need to listen to the medical professionals - this is definitely one of those times.

The 25-year-old was ultimately taken to Reina Sofia hospital for observation while the referee decided to suspend the match in Cordoba.

The Spanish side sent out a statement thanking everyone involved in supporting Gudelj during the traumatic incident.

They wrote: “The reaction and response to yesterday’s terrifying event from players, doctors, both clubs’ staff and spectators was exemplary.

“Thousands of people in El Arcángel as one, joined in the knowledge that health is far more important than a match of football.”

Gudelj is the younger brother of Sevilla star Nemanja Gudelj, who sent out an update on his brother’s condition.

He wrote: “The life of my brother, (his heart is) still beating, thanks to the medical services of Cordoba CF.”

Meanwhile, Cordoba’s chief doctor Jose Miguel Bretones confirmed that the player had wanted to play on.

“We were lucky that he recovered, he was conscious,” he said.

“You have to take into account that for him, it’s as if two seconds had passed, and he thought he could go on playing.”

Brilliant work by the medical staff.

Featured Image Credit: @samstreetwrites/Twitter.

Topics: Spain, Football

Jayden Collins

Jayden Collins is a Journalist at SPORTbible. He has worked across multiple media platforms in areas such as sport, music, pop culture, entertainment and politics. He is part of the editorial team for LADbible Australia.