former NEC nijmegen midfielder Davy Pröpper publicly recounted the harrowing experience of collapsing on the pitch during an Eredivisie match against AZ alkmaar in October 2023,an incident that prompted an 18-month absence from the sport. The frightening moment, captured on camera and revisited by Pröpper alongside the medical team who aided him, underscores the potential risks faced by professional athletes and the critical role of swift medical intervention. While recent heart scans have offered positive results,Pröpper has made the difficult decision to retire,bringing a close to a career that also included appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion and the Dutch national team.
Former NEC footballer Davy Pröpper became visibly emotional recalling the moment he collapsed on the pitch during a match against AZ in October 2023, an incident that sidelined him for over a year. Pröpper shared his story alongside the medical personnel who swiftly responded to the frightening event.
The Dutch player’s reaction was immediate as footage of the collapse was shown. “It really hits you again,” Pröpper said, pausing and taking a deep breath. Tears welled in his eyes as he watched the replay, covering his mouth with his hand and biting his lip. “It’s tough to watch this.”
Medical staff present at the time noted the sudden nature of the incident – Pröpper had no apparent contact with another player and hadn’t stumbled – immediately raised concerns. They reacted in a matter of seconds, rushing onto the field to provide assistance.
Pröpper emphasized his gratitude for their quick thinking. “Without these people, I wouldn’t be here,” he stated. “If this had happened while I was running, who knows what would have happened. I’m incredibly thankful to them.”
Returning to Health
Pröpper recalled feeling strong during the match, but suddenly fell unconscious in the 88th minute. He was revived with a single electrical shock. “It felt like waking up,” he explained. “It was a wonderful feeling. I thought, ‘Ah, great, I’m waking up, blissful.’”
His immediate concern after regaining consciousness was for his family. “My father was in the stadium, my wife and children were at home. They all saw it happen. It was a disaster.”
The incident kept Pröpper off the field for 18 months, during which he was restricted from any activity that raised his heart rate above 100 beats per minute.
He received positive news last week following a heart scan. “They checked my device, and everything looks good. It’s looking very positive,” he said.
Despite the encouraging results, Pröpper has accepted that his professional playing career is over. “And that’s okay,” he affirmed.
