Belgian Midfielder Shares Emotional Message After Two-Year Battle with Serious Illness.

Lamisha Musonda

The football community is in shock after Lamisha Musonda, a former Chelsea youth academy player, shared a profoundly emotional message on social media revealing that he believes he has only a few days left to live at the age of 33.

Musonda, who joined Chelsea from Anderlecht in 2012 alongside his brothers Tika and Charly, spent two years developing in the Blues’ youth setup before returning to Belgium to play for Mechelen. He later featured for lower-league Spanish sides and Congolese giants TP Mazembe, earning nine caps for Belgium’s U21 team before retiring in 2020.

In a heartbreaking Instagram post on Thursday, January 9, 2026, Musonda explained his long absence from social media was due to a serious illness that has worsened over the past two years. He wrote: “These last two years have been particularly difficult and challenging for me. It is with great sadness that I announce that I am struggling to get my health back… my health is critical, and I’m now fighting to survive.”

He added: “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… I was fortunate enough to have a beautiful early stage of my life… so much more to give. But so many wonderful people I wish I had the chance to thank, face to face. It pains me that I might not have the chance to do so. I love you all. Lamisha.”

The post has triggered an outpouring of support from across the football world, including messages from former Chelsea teammate Romelu Lukaku (“Courage Lamisha”), ex-director Marina Granovskaia, and many others. Musonda later thanked everyone for the overwhelming love and expressed hope to be remembered for the positive impact he left on those he met.

The Musonda family has deep ties to football: brother Charly made seven senior appearances for Chelsea and had a loan spell at Celtic, while Tika now works as a scout at Liverpool.

This tragic news serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility beyond the pitch. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lamisha Musonda, his family, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Stay strong, Lamisha.