Former La Masia dropout was forced to retire early at the age of 23 years due to heart problems

Gilabola.com – Joan Gonzalez, a young midfielder from Barcelona, ​​known as one of the most promising talents of the La Masia academy, officially decided to retire from professional football at a very young age, 23 years.

This decision was not due to a knee injury or other technical problems, but due to the diagnosis of the congenital heart condition that was detected during the pre -season medical examination with his club, Lecce.

The diagnosis first appeared when the players prepared to welcome the 2024/2025 season. Since then, González has never played a minute in an official match.

The Italian club has conducted a variety of further tests for almost a full year, but the results still do not provide hope for him again grazing.

President Lecce, Saverio Sticchi Damiani, revealed that his party summoned González for a re -examination that lasted a few days before.

He explained that the situation did not change, so with regret, the club could not give permanent medical permission to the Catalunya player. Damiani also said that González would no longer be able to play soccer at the professional level.

A short career leaving a strong trail in Italian football

Joan Gonzalez began his football journey at the Cornella Academy before joining FC Barcelona and then migrated to Lecce in 2021.

He is known as a physically strong pivot and has a prominent technical ability. In a short time, he successfully penetrated Lecce’s main squad and recorded a quite impressive appearance in Serie A.

During his time in the highest Italian caste competition, González appeared in 64 matches, recorded 3,489 minutes of playing, scored two goals, and giving four assists.

He also played twice at the Coppa Italia event, and his debut in Serie A occurred in the match against Inter Milan on August 13, 2022.

His contract at Lecce is actually still valid until June 2027. However, the condition of the heart detected – described as a rare and difficult disorder – makes all his future plans on the soccer field must be canceled.

The club president also gave awards to the medical team, especially cardiologists Dr. Tondo, who succeeded in recognizing the condition and most likely had saved the player’s life.

Despite losing the opportunity for a career as a professional soccer player, Gonzalez showed a mature and wise attitude. According to Damiani, the young midfielder now plans to continue his studies in the economic field and dream of becoming a football coach someday. He also mentioned that if Gonzalez continued to play, he could be a great player.