Images from the Qatar Stars League have emerged of former Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez performing a life-saving manouver on an opponent who collapsed during a game.
James Rodriguez’s Al Rayyan faced Al Wakrah last weekend in the Qatari league when Al Wakrah winger, Malian Ousmane Coulibaly collapsed at the other end of the pitch.
Rodriguez was one of the first to spot Coulibaly collapsing and sprinted towards his opponent to provide aid before the medical team could show up.
The Colombian midfielder held the Malian winger’s head in a position that allowed him to breathe as the collapsed winger was losing his breath.
The severity of the 32-year-old Coulibaly’s case meant that the game had to be abandoned as the medics spent a lot of time to resuscitate the Al Wakrah man, who has been reported to have suffered a heart attack.
The Malian is now in stable condition after being taken to the hospital by the team doctors, and Rodriguez has been hailed as a hero for saving his opponent’s life.
Statement from Qatari Stars League following the incident
beIN Sports reports that the doctors who stabilised Coulibaly have said that Rodriguez’s decision to adjust the winger’s head allowed him to breathe properly.
All these happened after Rodriguez had assisted Al Rayyan’s goal of the game and was putting in a potential man of the match performance to help Al Rayyan move up the league table.
Following the eventual abandonment of the match, the league bosses released a statement to the fans which reads this:
“During the QNB Stars League match between Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah on Saturday, Ousmane Coulibaly suffered a heart attack which required the intervention of medical and ambulance staff present at the venue.
“It may be noted that the player is currently receiving necessary medical care and attention.
“The Qatar Stars League wishes the player a fast recovery, and we would like to thank the medical staff of both teams, paramedics and doctors for their great efforts during such events.
“Regarding the status of the match, it was agreed to end it and complete the remaining time later starting with the score when it was stopped (1-0 in favour of Al Rayyan).”
However, the game was rescheduled and Rodriguez continued from where he stopped with his amazing performance, scoring two of the three goals which won Al Rayyan the game.
