- Former France and Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has blasted death rumours circulating on social media
- Posts claiming Abidal died from liver transplant complications spread quickly, only for the 46-year-old to set the record straight
- Abidal made over 450 club appearances and 67 France caps underline his remarkable journey on and off the pitch
Former French left-back Eric Abidal has emphatically denied false reports claiming he had passed away.
The 46-year-old took to Instagram on Monday, September 15 to set the record straight after a disturbing rumour spread on X.
Source: Getty Images
Eric Abidal refutes death reports
According to RMC Sport, the posts circulating online falsely stated that Abidal had died following complications from a “recent second liver transplant” due to his long-standing battle with liver cancer.
Fans were alarmed as the messages wrongly reported the ex-Barcelona, Lyon, and France national team’s defender’s death.
Abidal, who won 67 caps for France and enjoyed a stellar club career at Lille, Monaco, Lyon, Barcelona, and Olympiakos, described the rumours as “total nonsense” and expressed his shock at such misinformation spreading on social media.
In his Instagram post, Abidal reassured supporters about his health and well-being:
“I am here, with my family, and everything is fine. Respect is essential. I have a family and my children behind me. To be clear: I am fine, I am alive and well.”
He reminded followers that he had indeed undergone a liver transplant in 2012 but stressed that he is currently healthy and focused on what truly matters in life.
Abidal’s partner, Hayet Abidal, also addressed the false news, reinforcing the family’s stance:
“Fake news. No, Eric is not dead. Thank God. Behind this kind of baseless nonsense, there is a family, children.”
The couple’s messages underline the importance of verifying information before spreading alarming claims online.
The former defender urges fans and the public to concentrate on meaningful issues rather than giving life to unfounded rumours.
“Let’s focus on what really matters,” he concluded, highlighting family and health as his top priorities.
Source: Getty Images
Eric Abidal’s club football career
Eric Abidal enjoyed an illustrious career as a versatile defender, primarily operating as a left-back and occasionally as a centre-back.
According to Transfermarkt, he began his professional journey at Lille, making 75 appearances between 1996 and 2000.
His consistent performances earned him a move to AS Monaco, where he featured in 79 matches from 2000 to 2004, helping the club compete at the top end of Ligue 1.
In 2004, Abidal joined Lyon and played 76 games, solidifying his reputation as a dependable defender capable of combining defensive solidity with occasional attacking support.
The intelligent defender’s career reached its peak at Barcelona, where he played 203 matches between 2007 and 2013.
At Barça, he won multiple La Liga titles, Copa del Rey trophies, and two UEFA Champions League crowns (2008–09, 2010–11), becoming a key figure in one of the club’s most successful eras.
He concluded his playing career with a short stint at Olympiakos, adding 21 appearances before retiring.
Tragic loss of Senegalese Ousmane Diaby
In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh highlighted the rise of Senegalese young talent Ousmane Diaby, who sadly passed away in France.
His promising career and bright future on the pitch were cut tragically short, leaving the football community in shock.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
