Former Everton and Real Madrid star James Rodriguez has been hailed as a hero after his actions on the pitch helped save the life of an opponent.
Rodriguez, who currently plays for Al Rayyan in the Qatari League went to the aid of his opponent, Al-Wakrah’s Ousmane Coulibaly who suffered a cardiac arrest in their encounter.
Rodriguez’s efforts to turn Coulibaly’s head enabled him to breathe before the medics arrived to treat him.
The player was taken to hospital in a stable condition.
The Qatar Stars League released a statement confirming Coulibaly’s heart attack and adding that he was receiving the necessary care.
“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,” the statement said.
“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.”
James Rodríguez was one of the first players to aid Al-Wakrah's Ousmane Coulibaly when he suffered a cardiac arrest during Saturday's game against Al-Rayyan.
Both clubs celebrated medical staff who helped save Coulibaly's life 🙏
(via @QSL_EN)pic.twitter.com/zgKYFBevvt
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 13, 2022
Al Rayyan were leading 1-0 at the time of the incident and won 3-0 when the match was resumed this week.