What Happened to Dutch goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen?

Dutch goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen collapsed to the ground after being knocked unconscious on September 30 2023.

Vaessen crashed with Ajax forward Brian Brobbey, prompting fear among his teammates as they hurriedly asked for medical assistance.

Several players appeared stunned on television as ground personnel hurriedly placed blankets around the injured goalkeeper while doctors from both clubs treated him.

Some players were in tears and surrounded Vaessen with a cordon. Vaessen lay still for several minutes on the field before being brought away on a stretcher.

Both teams went inside, and the game was called off after some debate. His club has subsequently confirmed that the 28-year-old has been transported to hospital and is conscious.

According to the stadium announcer, several players were “too affected to continue playing.” Several rival clubs, including PSV and Feyenoord, expressed messages of support to the goalie via social media immediately after the game.

Dutch fans piled in on social media with tributes to their injured goalie. One posted: ‘Hopefully he makes a full recovery,’ as another wrote: ‘Football fans and the players around the world are praying for Etienne and his loved ones.’