Togolese international footballer Samuel Asamoah broke his neck after crashing into a pitch billboard during a home match in China, his club said, amid fears he would be left paralyzed.
Video footage shows the 31-year-old being pushed by an opponent during a match on Sunday in China’s second division, League One, as they jostled for the ball and plowed their heads into an LED advertising panel.
The midfielder’s club, Guangxi Pingguo, said Asamoah suffered fractures to his neck and nerve damage and subsequently required surgery.
«He is at risk of a high-level spinal cord injury and will miss all remaining matches of this season. His career could also be seriously affected,» the club said on Monday.
On Wednesday, the club said Asamoah was recovering from surgery and was in a stable condition.
“Guangxi Pingguo FC sincerely thanks all fans and all walks of life for their concern and support for Samuel Asamoah,” the team said.
“His recovery progress will be announced in due course following further investigations.”
Asamoah spent most of his career in Belgium before moving to China last year.
He played six times for Togo.
Citing Chinese football authorities, state-backed newspaper The Paper said the billboard had been placed three meters from the pitch, in line with international standards.
The opponent, Chongqing Tonglianglong midfielder Zhang Zhixiong, was shown a yellow card after the incident.
Published on October 9, 2025
