Toby Alderweireld Reveals Health Issues Behind International Retirement

Belgium and Tottenham Hotspur legend Toby Alderweireld has opened up about the health problems that led to his decision to retire from international football. The former defender, who was a pivotal part of Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ alongside Jan Vertonghen, shared the harrowing details of a panic attack that made him reassess his priorities.

A Scary Health Episode

Speaking to Belgian media, Alderweireld recounted an incident following a cup match against Union Saint-Gilloise:

“After the lost cup match against Union, I was angry and frustrated. I couldn’t sleep that night and went to the club early the next morning for a strength session. Before I left, I took a caffeine pill because I don’t like coffee.”

He explained how the situation escalated while driving:

“My heart suddenly started beating at a thousand an hour. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I pulled over and walked into a furniture store, asking them to call 911. It turned out that all the stress triggered a panic attack, making my heart race even more.”