'I'm alive!' - Barcelona legend forced to deny rumours of his death

 

Former Barcelona and France defender Eric Abidal has been forced to publicly deny false rumours claiming he had died. The 46-year-old took to Instagram on Monday after reports spread on social media suggesting he had passed away following complications from a second liver transplant. French outlet Le Parisien reported that several X (formerly Twitter) accounts had amplified the baseless claim, which quickly gained attention before being debunked.

Abidal reassured his fans and condemned the rumour, writing: “Some rumours should never exist. I’m here with my family, and everything is fine. Respect is essential. There is a family and my children behind this. To be clear, I’m fine, I’m alive and well. Thank you for your support and messages of concern. Let’s focus on what really matters.” His words highlighted the distress such speculation caused, not only for him but also for his loved ones.

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The incident was particularly cruel because it exploited Abidal’s very real and inspirational past health struggles. The defender was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2011 and underwent a transplant in 2012 before making a heroic comeback for Barcelona in 2013. He later played for Monaco and Olympiakos before retiring in 2014.

Abidal’s playing career is remembered for his resilience and achievements, both on and off the pitch. During his time at Barcelona, he won multiple La Liga and Champions League titles, becoming a symbol of strength after his recovery from cancer. His emotional return in April 2013 was celebrated across the football world, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s most admired defenders. After hanging up his boots, Abidal served as Barcelona’s director of football, continuing to contribute to the club he helped shape during its golden era.

Following the false death rumours, Abidal made it clear he wants to move forward, urging people to show sensitivity and “respect.” His firm denial has put an end to the speculation, and he has encouraged fans and the media alike to focus on more meaningful issues. The statement drew widespread support from across the football community, with many relieved to hear directly from him.

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This episode serves as a reminder of the damaging power of misinformation online, especially when it targets high-profile individuals with a history of serious illness. For Abidal, the priority now is returning to normal life with his family and leaving behind the distressing incident.