Togo Midfielder Samuel Asamoah Recovering After Breaking Neck During Chinese League Match

Published: October 10, 2025, 22:45 EDT

Togo International Samuel Asamoah Suffers Severe Neck Injury in China

Togolese footballer Samuel Asamoah is recovering in hospital after suffering a broken neck during a match in China’s League One, according to his club Guangxi Pingguo. The midfielder sustained the injury on Sunday after a collision with an advertising board during a game, leading to immediate medical evacuation and surgery.

The club confirmed that Asamoah underwent a complex spinal operation that was successful, and he is now in stable condition.

The Incident: Collision Leads to Fractured Cervical Vertebrae

The accident occurred when Asamoah was pushed off the pitch during a challenge near the touchline. He lost balance and collided head-first with the perimeter boards surrounding the field.

Guangxi Pingguo said in an official statement that Asamoah suffered “dislocation and fractures of the cervical vertebrae” along with nerve compression. Medical staff at the scene immediately immobilized the player before rushing him to hospital.

The club added that the 31-year-old midfielder faced a “risk of high-level paraplegia,” a condition that can result in partial or total loss of function in the lower body.

Club Statement: Player in Stable Condition After Surgery

On Wednesday, Guangxi Pingguo released an update announcing that Asamoah’s surgery had been successful and that he was now recovering in stable condition.

In a photograph shared by the club on social media, Asamoah was seen in a hospital bed giving two thumbs up — a gesture that reassured fans and teammates concerned about his condition.

“The operation was successful, and Samuel is stable and conscious. We thank all supporters and medical staff for their assistance,” the club said in its statement.

Season Over and Future in Doubt

Doctors have ruled Asamoah out for the rest of the season as he begins what could be a lengthy recovery process. Guangxi Pingguo acknowledged that his professional future remains uncertain, given the severity of his injuries and the risks associated with spinal trauma.

“His future in football is unclear at this stage,” the club added, noting that rehabilitation will determine the extent of his recovery.

Sports medicine experts have said cervical spine injuries in contact sports can be career-threatening, especially when nerve damage is involved.

Football Community Rallies Around Asamoah

Messages of support have poured in from across the football community, including former teammates and fellow professionals in Asia and Africa. The Togolese Football Federation expressed solidarity with the player, wishing him a “swift and full recovery.”

Fans of Guangxi Pingguo also flooded the club’s social media pages with messages of encouragement, calling Asamoah a “fighter” and “true professional.”

Background: Asamoah’s Career Across Continents

Born in Accra, Ghana, and later representing Togo internationally, Asamoah has had a versatile career across several European and Asian clubs. He began his professional journey in Belgium with K.A.S. Eupen before moving to Sint-Truiden in the Belgian Pro League.

Asamoah later joined the Chinese League One side Guangxi Pingguo, where he quickly became a key midfielder known for his stamina, composure, and playmaking ability.

He has earned multiple caps for Togo’s national team, contributing to several Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and regional tournaments.

Safety Concerns Renewed After Pitch-Side Injury

Asamoah’s injury has reignited debate about player safety standards in lower-tier leagues and the placement of advertising boards near the field of play.

Football analysts and safety advocates argue that perimeter barriers are often positioned too close to the sidelines, leaving players vulnerable to high-impact collisions.

A spokesperson for the Togo Football Federation said it plans to raise the issue with FIFA and continental governing bodies to ensure that all leagues follow international safety guidelines.

Club Vows Support During Recovery

Guangxi Pingguo said it will provide full medical and financial support for Asamoah’s rehabilitation. The club’s management also thanked hospital staff and fans for their concern, calling the player’s recovery a “top priority.”

“We stand by Samuel during his recovery and will do everything possible to help him regain his health,” the club’s statement read.

Doctors have advised that the next three months will be crucial in determining the long-term outcome of his recovery.