French former professional footballer, Eric Abidal is a highly regarded sportsman that has won over 18 titles playing for Lyon and Barcelona including LFP Defender of the Year 2011. Often referred to as a ‘legend’ in international football, Eric overcame the diagnosis of cancer in his liver, pushing himself out of recovery and back on to the pitch to fans admiration. For this, he is one of the most inspirational sportsmen in international football.
During his impressive career, Eric has played for senior teams such as Olympiacos, Monaco, Barcelona, Lille and Lyon, as well as playing for his national team, France. He was part of the Barcelona team that won the Champions League trophy twice and played in two World Cup tournaments.
In 2011, Eric was diagnosed with a tumour in his liver which ruled him out of playing in matches for the foreseeable future. He underwent a number of surgeries to try and eradicate the tumour in his lung. However, there were implications and Eric had to undergo a liver transplant operation. Showing true determination, Eric never gave up on his goal to return to football. After spending two years out of the sport and overcoming every obstacle thrown in his way, Eric made a spectacular return - with a standing ovation from the crowd - in the last 20 minutes of the FC Barcelona vs RCD Mallorca game in April 2013.
Regarded as one of the most inspirational international footballers, Eric was awarded the Premio internazionale Giacinto Facchetti in 2013, which is an Italian recognition award given to a football personality for their honesty, correct behaviour, fair-play, and sportsmanship, a true recognition for his courage and determination to defeat cancer and return to the sport he loves.
