In a profoundly moving testament to resilience, former Chelsea youth player Lamisha Musonda has shared with the world that he is in a critical fight for his life.
The 33-year-old Belgian, who spent two formative years at the Premier League club’s academy, revealed through heartfelt social media statements that his health has deteriorated after a grueling two-year battle with an undisclosed illness, and that he may have only days left to live.
The news, which has sent waves of sorrow through the global football community, came directly from Musonda in an emotional post. “As I realise I only have a few days left, I also realise I had a lot of people by my side and I’ll always cherish the memories,” he wrote, capturing a spirit of gratitude amidst profound hardship.
He described the last two years as “particularly difficult and challenging,” leading him to a stark conclusion: “I have to face facts – my health is critical, and I’m now fighting to survive”. In his message, which was shared in both English and French, Musonda appealed for prayers and support, vowing that he and his family would continue to fight “until my last breath”.
His raw and courageous disclosure prompted an immediate and powerful outpouring of solidarity from across the football world.
Among the first to respond was Belgian international striker Romelu Lukaku, a former Chelsea teammate, who posted a public message of encouragement, writing, “Courage Lamisha. We are with you”. He was joined by former Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia, who offered her hopes for his recovery and sent thoughts to his family.
This public support led Musonda to post a follow-up message of thanks, expressing profound gratitude for the “prayers, kind messages loaded with positivity and love”.
In that second post, Musonda reflected not on a professional career cut short, but on the human connections it fostered. “I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t fall in love with the adulations,” he stated. “But the good people I met along the way… the teammates, the teachers, the coaches, the bus drivers… It’s for them, I fight and stay strong”.
This focus on everyday relationships over sporting accolades has defined the public’s response to his plight.
Musonda’s football journey was one of promise and perseverance. He joined Chelsea’s esteemed academy in 2012 alongside his brothers, Tika and Charly, having moved from the famed youth system at Anderlecht.
Although he did not break into the Chelsea first team, he built a respectable career, returning to Belgium to play for Mechelen before spells with Spanish sides Llagostera and Palamos, and a stint with Congolese giants TP Mazembe.
He also earned nine caps for Belgium’s Under-21 national team before retiring from professional football in his late twenties.
The Musonda name remains well-known in football circles. His younger brother, Charly Musonda Jr., made seven senior appearances for Chelsea, while his other brother, Tika, is now a scout for Liverpool. Their father, Charly Musonda Sr., is a legendary figure in Zambian football, having won 48 caps for his country.
As the football world holds Lamisha Musonda in its thoughts, his own words continue to resonate. “Life is hard, but the view is great,” he wrote. In sharing his most painful struggle, he has offered a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength found in community and shared humanity.