Bove reacts to on-field cardiac arrest at Fiorentina

Edoardo Bove has finally opened up about the harrowing moment that nearly cost him his life, recounting his experience in an interview with Vanity Fair.

Nearly three months ago, during a match against Inter Milan, the 22-year-old Fiorentina midfielder collapsed on the field due to cardiac arrest, a moment that sent shockwaves through the football world. Now, reflecting on that life-threatening incident, Bove acknowledges both the terrifying reality of what happened and the immense luck that ensured his survival.

"I remember very little about it," Bove admitted. "I was on the field, and at one point, my head started spinning, like when you get up too quickly from bed. And that's about all I remember. I woke up in the hospital and touched my legs I thought I was there because something had happened to my knee." For him, the confusion was overwhelming, and it took a while before he truly understood the severity of the situation.

The moment Bove lost consciousness, medical personnel rushed onto the pitch, immediately recognizing the urgency of the situation. The stadium fell silent as fans, teammates, and opponents watched in horror, fearing the worst. Quick intervention and the use of a defibrillator were crucial in stabilizing him before he was rushed to the hospital. In those minutes, football no longer mattered only Bove’s life did.

It was only in the hospital that he fully grasped what had actually happened. "At first, it wasn’t as difficult for me as it was for my loved ones. I didn’t grasp the seriousness of the situation; I thought I had just fainted," he recalled. "The others knew better they realized they had come close to losing their son or friend. They told me that in the ambulance, I was shouting Fiorentina! really loudly. They even had to tie me down," Bove now laughs, his ability to find humor in the situation highlighting his resilient spirit.

For his family, teammates, and coaches, however, there was nothing amusing about that night. As news spread of Bove’s collapse, the footballing world held its breath. Comparisons were instantly drawn to other cases of cardiac incidents on the pitch, such as Christian Eriksen’s shocking collapse at Euro 2020. Fortunately, just like in Eriksen’s case, rapid medical attention made all the difference.

Bove acknowledges how incredibly fortunate he was that this happened on a football pitch, where the best possible medical assistance was immediately available. "It’s not great to appear so vulnerable, but I now realize how lucky I was to have help available. Within thirteen minutes, I was in the hospital. I don’t know how it would have ended if it had happened under different circumstances." He shudders to think of what might have happened had the incident occurred in a less controlled environment perhaps at home, during training, or while alone. The reality is that every second counted, and thanks to the efficiency of the Fiorentina medical staff and emergency responders, he is here to tell his story.

Since his recovery, Bove has been undergoing a series of medical tests to determine the cause of his cardiac arrest. While doctors have reassured him that he is in stable condition, questions remain about whether he will be able to return to professional football. The thought of never stepping onto the pitch again is something he struggles with, but for now, he is focused on his recovery and being grateful for a second chance at life.

His journey back to health has been filled with reflection and newfound appreciation. “I now realize how much we take things for granted,” he said. “One moment, I was playing football, doing what I love, and the next, I was waking up in a hospital bed not knowing what had happened. It makes you see life differently.”

For Fiorentina, Bove’s incident has been a wake-up call. The club has since emphasized the importance of cardiac health awareness, ensuring that players undergo even more thorough screenings and that medical teams are always prepared for emergencies. Across Italy, and even beyond, football clubs are being reminded of how fragile life can be, and how essential it is to be prepared for the unexpected.

Bove’s story is one of survival, resilience, and gratitude. Whether or not he returns to the pitch, he has already won the most important battle of all the battle for his life. For now, he continues his recovery, surrounded by loved ones and the unwavering support of the Fiorentina community. And as football fans, we can only hope that this young talent will one day grace the pitch again, stronger than ever.