Dortmund Teenager Konstantinos Karetsas Hospitalised After Collapse in Champions League Match
How Common Are Such Incidents in Young Athletes?
Borussia Dortmund's 18-year-old midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas was taken to hospital following a sudden health issue during their UEFA Champions League group stage match against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred in the 67th minute when Karetsas slumped to the turf after appearing to lose consciousness briefly. Medical staff rushed to his aid on the pitch before he was stretchered off and transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. The match continued with Dortmund playing the remainder of the game with ten men.
Karetsas, who made his first Champions League start in the fixture, had been showing signs of fatigue earlier in the half according to teammates and coaching staff. Initial reports from the club indicated he experienced dizziness and shortness of breath before collapsing. PSG players immediately signaled for medical assistance, and both teams gathered around the young player in concern. Dortmund's team doctor confirmed he was responsive when taken off the field but emphasized the need for precautionary hospital checks. The club later stated he was conscious and communicating with medical staff upon arrival at the hospital.
While rare, sudden collapses in young footballers during high-intensity matches do occur and are often linked to undiagnosed cardiac conditions or extreme physical exertion. Sports cardiologists note that screening protocols for elite youth academies have improved in recent years, but not all risks can be eliminated. Karetsas had passed all pre-season medical examinations required by Dortmund and UEFA, including cardiac evaluations. The incident has prompted renewed discussion about the physical demands placed on teenage players competing at the highest level, particularly in congested fixture schedules.
What Happens Next for Karetsas and Dortmund?
Karetsas remains under observation in hospital as doctors conduct further tests to determine the cause of his collapse. Borussia Dortmund has cancelled all team activities for Wednesday and stated they will provide updates only after medical evaluations are complete. The club’s sporting director emphasized that the player’s health is the absolute priority, with no timetable set for his return to training or competition. Teammates have expressed support through social media, with captain Emre Can calling it a „scary moment” that reminded everyone of football’s fragility. UEFA has confirmed it will review the match medical protocols followed during the incident. Frequently Asked Questions Was Konstantinos Karetsas substituted before collapsing? No, Karetsas was still on the pitch when he slumped to the turf in the 67th minute and had to be stretchered off immediately after the incident occurred.
Did the match continue after he was taken off? Yes, the game resumed with Borussia Dortmund playing with ten men for the remaining approximately 23 minutes of the match.
Has Karetsas played for Dortmund's first team before this match? This Champions League appearance was only his second senior debut for Borussia Dortmund, having previously made a brief cameo in a Bundesliga match earlier in the season.