Former Barcelona B player Iker Fernández Valderrama underwent emergency surgery to remove his spleen after a horror clash during a match. Valderrama was tackled by the opposing goalkeeper near the halfway line, leaving him in severe pain on the pitch.
The 23-year-old futsal player briefly managed to stand by grabbing his left side as his teammates stopped protesting against the goalkeeper’s offensive tackle. After being helped, Valderrama was carried off the pitch on a stretcher and taken to hospital. There, it was determined that he had suffered three broken ribs and internal injuries that required the removal of his spleen.
The horrifying incident occurred just 20 seconds into the futsal match between home team Gasifredo Atlético Ibiza and Union Afrika Seuti on Sunday, November 9th.
The away team’s goalkeeper Mario Gomez, who was filmed comforting Iker after realizing the extent of the damage, received a red card for a challenge outside the penalty area.
The match ended with Coach Valderrama’s team winning 2-1. However, the footballer continued to receive intensive treatment at Ibiza’s Can Mrs Hospital after the surgery.
As his recovery continues, he will be transferred to a general ward later on Monday.
Valderrama, a former Barcelona B futsal team player, renewed his contract in the summer and is in his fourth season with his current club.
One supporter expressed their joy at the contract renewal, saying, “He is the epitome of a player who gives his all in every game. Congratulations on his renewal. He is a top futsal player.”
Another added: “Great player. He deserves a new contract.”
Valderrama shared an image on Instagram from his hospital bed, showing his teammates holding up pictures of him on their phones and dedicating the home win to him.
His club shared messages of support from other futsal teams on their social media platforms, including one from Ibiza third-division side CD San Pablo.
The message read, “I send all my strength and support to Iker, a fellow gas player in this sport. I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Another message from CD Ibiza Futsal read: “We wish you a speedy recovery and send you lots of hugs.”
