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Sivasspor’s Albanian striker Manaj collapses, rushed to hospital unconscious

A footballer lies on a stretcher being carried towards an ambulance Sivasspor's Rey Manaj is stretchered off the field and taken to an ambulance after collapsing during the match against Goztepe in Sivas, Türkiye, on Mar. 9, 2025. (IHA Photo)
By Newsroom
Mar 9, 2025 4:39 PM

Sivasspor forward Rey Manaj was rushed to the hospital unconscious after colliding with an opponent during the 3rd minute of a Turkish Super Lig match against Goztepe in week 27.

The incident occurred when Sivasspor’s Efkan Bekiroglu delivered a cross from the left, and Manaj’s header struck the crossbar. As he landed, he collided with Goztepe’s Koray Gunter and collapsed on the field, unable to continue.

A football player lies on the field receiving medical attention from two team staff members
Sivasspor medical staff attend to Rey Manaj after he collapsed on the pitch following a collision during the match against Göztepe in Sivas, Türkiye, on Mar. 9, 2025. (IHA Photo)

Medical staff immediately attended to Manaj, and an ambulance was called onto the pitch. The Albanian striker was taken to the hospital for further treatment.

Statement from Sivasspor: Manaj regains consciousness

In the 9th minute, Serbian winger Veljko Simic replaced Manaj but later suffered a similar fate. Simic collided with his teammate Bekiroglu in the 33rd minute and had to be taken off in an ambulance.

An ambulance is parked on the sideline of a football stadium as medical personnel carry a footballer
Sivasspor’s Veljko Simic is stretchered off the field and taken to an ambulance after sustaining an injury during the match against Goztepe in Sivas, Türkiye, on Mar. 9, 2025. (IHA Photo)

Sivasspor later confirmed that Manaj had regained consciousness at the hospital.

“Our player lost consciousness after a collision in the third minute of the match against Goztepe,” the club stated.

“Following initial medical intervention on the field, he was taken to the hospital by ambulance, where he regained consciousness. Further tests will be conducted, and we will share updates on his condition with the public. We extend our best wishes to our player.”

While both players continue to receive treatment at the hospital, no diagnosis has been announced regarding their injuries yet.

Last Updated:  Mar 9, 2025 4:39 PM