In a harrowing tale that underscores the physical demands placed on international footballers, Brighton & Hove Albion star Julio Enciso has revealed a frightening ordeal during his recent flight to join the Paraguay national team. The young forward claims he “almost died” after fainting mid-flight, requiring urgent assistance from a fellow passenger. This incident has sparked discussions about player welfare and the challenges of long-distance travel for international duty.
Julio Enciso, Brighton’s promising 19-year-old attacker, was en route from England to South America for Paraguay’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador. What should have been a routine journey turned into a nightmarish experience that left the player shaken and grateful to be alive.
“My head hurts. I almost died, I fainted on the plane,” Enciso told Paraguayan media outlet Del Paraguay upon his arrival. The young star’s voice trembled as he recounted the ordeal, his eyes still wide with the memory of the incident.
According to Enciso’s account, the trouble began several hours into the transatlantic flight. Feeling unwell, he attempted to make his way to the lavatory. “At one point I got up to go to the bathroom and I felt like I was falling,” he explained, the fear still evident in his voice.
It was at this critical moment that a fellow passenger intervened, potentially saving Enciso’s life. “A guy grabbed me and took me to the front,” the footballer recounted gratefully. “He made me drink coke and a Japanese soup, and that did me good.”
Dr. Maria Sanchez, a sports medicine specialist not involved in Enciso’s care, offered her perspective on the incident. “Long flights can be particularly challenging for athletes. The combination of altitude, dehydration, and disrupted sleep patterns can lead to serious health issues. Enciso’s experience, while extreme, is not unheard of in the world of international sports.”
Enciso’s ordeal sheds light on the often-overlooked physical demands placed on footballers who traverse the globe for club and country. The young star admitted to feeling overwhelmed by his schedule. I was powerless, I didn’t eat or sleep well,” he confessed, highlighting the toll that constant travel and high-pressure performances can take on even the fittest athletes.
Former England international and current football pundit Gary Lineker weighed in on the issue via social media: “Enciso’s experience is a stark reminder of the sacrifices these young men make to represent their countries. It’s time for football’s governing bodies to seriously consider the impact of such demanding schedules on player health.
Despite the terrifying journey, Enciso’s determination to represent his country remains unshaken. Paraguay, a nation with a rich footballing history, has not qualified for a World Cup since their quarter-final appearance in South Africa 2010. The upcoming matches against Ecuador and Venezuela represent crucial steps in their bid to return to football’s grandest stage.
Carlos Gamarra, former Paraguay captain and World Cup veteran, spoke about the significance of these qualifiers. “Every match is vital in CONMEBOL qualifying. It’s one of the toughest routes to the World Cup, and having talents like Enciso available can make all the difference. But of course, the player’s health must come first.”
Enciso’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Since joining Brighton from Paraguayan club Libertad Asunción in 2022, the young forward has shown flashes of brilliance that have endeared him to the Seagulls’ faithful.
This season, Enciso has made five substitute appearances in the Premier League, demonstrating the trust manager Roberto De Zerbi has in his abilities. Brighton fan club president Sarah Thompson shared her thoughts: “Julio has been a breath of fresh air since he arrived. His energy and skill are evident every time he steps on the pitch. We’re all relieved he’s okay after this scare and hope he returns to us safely.”
As Enciso prepares for Paraguay’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on Wednesday, questions linger about his fitness and readiness to play. Paraguay’s team doctor, Dr. Juan Recalde, issued a brief statement: “We are monitoring Julio’s condition closely. While he seems to have recovered from the incident, we will conduct thorough examinations before making any decision about his participation in the upcoming matches.”
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion face an anxious wait for their young star’s return. With a Premier League clash against Newcastle United looming on October 19, the club’s medical staff will be keen to assess Enciso upon his return to England.
Enciso’s frightening experience serves as a stark reminder of the physical and mental challenges faced by modern footballers. As the game becomes increasingly global and schedules more demanding, the incident raises important questions about player welfare, travel protocols, and the balance between club and country commitments.
FIFA spokesperson Elena Valdez addressed these concerns in a press conference: “The health and safety of players is our utmost priority. We are in constant dialogue with clubs, national associations, and medical experts to ensure that the demands placed on players are sustainable and safe.”
As Julio Enciso recovers from his ordeal and focuses on the tasks ahead, both on the international stage and back in the Premier League, his story resonates as a cautionary tale. It underscores the need for vigilance, better player care, and perhaps a reevaluation of the demands placed on these elite athletes who crisscross the globe in pursuit of footballing glory.
The football world will be watching closely, not just to see how Enciso performs in the coming days, but to see what steps, if any, are taken to prevent such harrowing incidents in the future. For now, fans, teammates, and football officials alike are simply grateful that this talented young player lived to tell his tale and continue his promising career.
