Konstantinos Karetsas collapses during Champions League debut

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas suffered a health emergency during his Champions League debut against Villarreal on September 8, 2026. The 18-year-old Greek international started the match at Signal Iduna Park but was forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher in the 27th minute after appearing distressed. The club subsequently announced that Karetsas suffered from circulatory issues. He was transported to a hospital accompanied by his mother, where initial reports described his condition as stable under the circumstances.

While some sources initially reported his condition as mysterious, later updates suggested that dehydration, which caused tachycardia, likely contributed to his sudden collapse. Medical personnel provided immediate assistance on the field before his transfer. Dortmund went on to win the match 3-2. The club's sporting director, Lars Ricken, noted that the incident occurred without any prior warning signs. Karetsas is currently undergoing comprehensive medical examinations to determine the exact cause of the incident and ensure his long-term health, as the football community awaits further updates on his status.