PSV Eindhoven has confirmed that Spanish footballer Lucas Pérez, 36, has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis, prompting immediate quarantine and health protocols. The club announced the diagnosis on March 24, 2025, coinciding with World Tuberculosis Day. This unfortunate news comes just a month after Pérez joined the club from Deportivo de La Coruña.
According to the club, the player is currently under special surveillance. They stated, “One of the players of PSV has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. The player is doing well given the circumstances. Although the possibility of further infections is low, we are monitoring the situation closely according to standard protocols of the GGD (Department of Public Health).” The club has not disclosed the player’s identity, but it has been confirmed by various Dutch media outlets that it is Pérez.
Pérez arrived at PSV on February 23, 2025, and his time on the field has been limited; he has only participated in three matches, all as a substitute, totaling just 31 minutes of game time. His last appearance was on March 15 against RKC Waalwijk, where the team secured a 3-0 victory.
The diagnosis requires Pérez to undergo a minimum of three to four weeks of isolation and treatment with antibiotics. The nature of tuberculosis, an airborne infectious disease, means that there is concern over potential outbreaks in the locker room. However, the team has indicated that the risk of further infections in the team is minimal due to the brief period since Pérez joined the squad.
“The risk of infection for those surrounding the patient is limited. In any case, outside, there is no risk of infection,” commented the pulmonologist from the GGD, reassuring fans and teammates of Pérez’s health status. The team is undertaking testing procedures for other players who may have been in contact with him, although initial reports suggest no infections have spread.
This incident raises concerns not only about Pérez’s health but about the impact on the team's performance in the Eredivisie. PSV currently sits second in the league, trailing Ajax by six points, and they are still recovering from a heavy defeat faced in the UEFA Champions League. After advancing past Juventus, they suffered a stunning 1-7 loss against Arsenal in their last match.
The football world is rallying to support Pérez during this challenging time. The club has requested that fans and media respect his privacy as he focuses on recovery. They emphasized that health comes first, and they urgently hope for a swift return to fitness.
As Lucas Pérez grapples with this health issue, he is also dealing with personal challenges. He recently shared in a heartfelt interview that his childhood was fraught with difficulties, including abandonment by his parents, which he described as a deeply formative experience. He now draws strength from his two-year-old son, Irvin, who is his main source of motivation.
The road to recovery from tuberculosis can be lengthy and arduous. While treatment with antibiotics can be effective, the physical strain it places on an athlete can be significant. Lucas may not only miss several weeks due to isolation but also additional time to regain his match fitness after completing his medical treatment.
As per PSV’s current schedule, the last match of the season is set for May 18, 2025, against Sparta Rotterdam. Given Pérez’s current condition, it remains uncertain if he will be able to contribute for the remainder of the season, marking a disappointing chapter for the forward at PSV during what was supposed to be a promising new beginning.
As the situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the underlying health challenges athletes face, particularly when a contagious disease enters the equation. Local health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, ensuring the health of all PSV staff and players to prevent further complications.
This diagnosis and its implications extend beyond the pitch, touching on broader public health issues, especially given that approximately one million people globally die from tuberculosis each year, according to the World Health Organization. Awareness and timely actions are crucial in managing public health crises in sports and other community spaces.
In summary, the story of Lucas Pérez is a poignant reminder of the fragility of health and the resilience needed to tackle life’s challenges, both on and off the pitch. Football fans globally await further updates on Pérez’s recovery and pray for a successful return to the sport he loves.
