In a powerful and personal account, England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck has shared the shocking story of how she suffered a stroke at just 24 years old.
The athlete, who was a key member of the Lionesses squad that won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, revealed the emotional and physical struggles she faced after the medical diagnosis.
A Sudden and Unsettling Diagnosis
Roebuck first began to notice something was wrong during the Christmas period of 2023.
Initially, both Roebuck and her club, Manchester City, believed the symptoms were related to a concussion.
However, after further tests and scans, the truth came to light: Roebuck had suffered an infarct in her left occipital lobe.
When the doctor delivered the news, Roebuck recalls being confused and asked for a simpler explanation. The diagnosis was a type of stroke.
The condition, known as an occipital infarct, occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain.
This type of stroke can cause severe visual disturbances, including blurry vision and even blindness.
Thankfully, Roebuck was spared from these worst-case outcomes, something she describes as nothing short of a miracle.
A Life-Altering Experience
Reflecting on the ordeal, Roebuck admitted she was filled with panic upon hearing the diagnosis.
Her first concern, as a professional footballer, was whether she would ever play the sport again.
The doctors advised her to take a complete break from physical activity for six weeks, something that felt almost impossible for a dedicated athlete like herself.
For weeks, Roebuck couldn’t even walk her dog or leave her home, an experience that left her feeling vulnerable and dependent on her parents for support.
Despite her fears, Roebuck’s recovery has been remarkable.
Now 25 years old, she made a triumphant return to football in December 2024 with Barcelona, playing in a 4-1 win against Real Betis.
This was 303 days after her stroke diagnosis and more than 18 months since her last match.
Roebuck’s Resilience and Return to International Football
Roebuck was part of the historic England squad that lifted the Euros trophy in 2022 and made it to the World Cup final in 2023.
As she gets back into form with Barcelona, the question now remains: will she earn a spot back on the England team? With ongoing uncertainty about the national team’s goalkeeper lineup, Roebuck is focused on her journey and improvement as a player.
She acknowledged that her international future is not entirely in her hands but remains determined to get back to the highest level of football.
“Nothing is given,” Roebuck explained, “I know that I need to be playing consistently, week in, week out, but for me, it’s more than that—it’s a journey I’m on.”
As she continues to recover and train with Barcelona, Roebuck’s primary goal is clear: to be the best goalkeeper she can be, while prioritizing the things that truly matter.
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