Enock Mwepu, a midfielder for Brighton, was forced to retire after learning that he had a hereditary cardiac problem.
The 24-year-old became ill last month while traveling to meet up with his Zambian teammates during the international break. After spending some time in a Mali hospital, he went to Brighton to undertake more cardiac testing.
According to a statement released by Brighton on Monday morning, Mwepu would be at a very high danger of dying from a “fatal cardiac arrest” if he keeps playing competitive football.
Mwepu indicated he still intends to play football in some form despite ending his career in a statement announcing it.
“A small boy from a Zambian township called Chambishi has some news to share,” the midfielder wrote. “He stood strong to follow his dream of playing football at the highest level and by the grace of God he lived his dream by reaching the Premier League.
“Some dreams however come to an end, so it is with sadness that I announce the need to hang up my boots because of the medical advice I have received. This is not the end of my involvement in football, I plan to stay involved in some capacity.”
While Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said: “We are all absolutely devastated for Enock. He and his family have had a traumatic few weeks and while we are just thankful he has come through that period, he has seen such a promising career cut short at such a young age.
“As a club we will give him all the love, help and support we possibly can to make a full recovery, and then as he decides on the next steps in his life.”
Prior to the September international break, Mwepu played in all six of Brighton’s Premier League contests. He has appeared 27 times for the team since signing from Red Bull Salzburg in July 2021. The midfielder made 23 appearances for the Zambian national team, scoring six goals in that time.
Enock Mwepu
Enock Mwepu, a former midfielder for the Zambian national team, was born on January 1, 1998.
Mwepu started his career in his home Zambia before signing with Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg in 2017. In 2021, he made the switch to Premier League team Brighton & Hove Albion.
Mwepu represented and led the national team of Zambia. He was forced to resign in October 2022 after a hereditary cardiac disease was identified.
Enock Mwepu Stats
Enock Mwepu has participated in 2 games in the 2022–23 English Premier League season (plus 4 as a sub). He took a total of 2 shots, but only one of them found the goal (0.10 xG).
Mwepu averages 1 assist and 13 passes per game, with an 82% completion rate. Enock Mwepu has not been issued any yellow or red cards.
Enock Mwepu’s final game was a 0-1 home loss for Brighton and Hove Albion against Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League.
Enock Mwepu FIFA 22
In FIFA 22, Mwepu has an overall rating of 76 and an 82-point potential. Mwepu has a skillmoves rating of three stars. His right foot is his preferred shooting foot. His productivity is High / High.
Our database estimates Mwepu’s weight to be 76 kg kg and his height to be 184 cm cm. Enock Mwepu is currently using the number 12.
His best stats are: Stamina: 85, Sprint Speed: 85, Aggression: 78, Acceleration: 78, Shot Power: 78.
Mwepu Transfer News
He signed a four-year contract with Premier League team Brighton & Hove Albion on July 6, 2021, for an unknown sum. On July 31, he scored during a 3-1 preseason friendly victory at Luton Town.
On August 14, he made his competitive Albion debut against Burnley in the season opener of 2021–22. He was replaced by Adam Lallana at the break in the eventual 2-1 victory at Turf Moor.
Mwepu assisted Jakub Moder with his first Albion goal on August 24 during an away EFL Cup match against Cardiff City that Albion won 2-0.
On October 27, he scored his first goal for The Seagulls, bringing them back to equal at 2-2 in an EFL Cup penalty shootout loss at Leicester City, where his penalty was saved.
Three days later, he scored Brighton’s comeback goal with a magnificent 25-yard strike in a 2-2 away draw against Liverpool, becoming the Sussex team’s first league scorer.
Brighton and Zambia midfielder Enock Mwepu has retired 24 years old after a diagnosis of a hereditary heart condition. 😢 pic.twitter.com/VyBLBfLmfX
— Futball News (@FutballNews_) October 10, 2022
