Former Arsenal striker Lucas Pérez has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis just weeks after signing for PSV Eindhoven. The announcement, reported on March 24, 2025, has raised concerns about the health of the player and the potential impact on the team's dynamics.
PSV released a statement detailing the diagnosis, confirming that Pérez is doing well under the circumstances. In their official communication, they stated, "One of the players of PSV 1 has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. The player is doing well under the circumstances. Although the chance of further infection is small, the situation is being closely monitored according to the standard protocols of the GGD." This indicates that the club is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of both players and staff.
Pérez, 36, joined PSV on February 23, 2025, after terminating his contract with Deportivo La Coruña for personal reasons. His contributions to the team have been minimal so far; he has only played a total of 24 minutes across three matches—just 8 minutes in a Cup game and 16 minutes in league matches. Despite this limited playtime, his diagnosis has necessitated immediate and comprehensive action from the club.
The implications of his tuberculosis diagnosis are significant. Medical protocols dictate that Pérez must now be isolated for three to four weeks while undergoing antibiotic treatment. This primarily affects not only his playing opportunities but also the overall roster of PSV as they prepare for upcoming matches, including a highly anticipated clash against Ajax on March 30.
In a related press release, PSV emphasized, "At the moment, there are no indications that people have been infected in the vicinity of the infected player. The club is not entitled to be more specific about the entity of the member involved." Their commitment to transparency and health safety underscores the seriousness with which they address the situation.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also harm other parts of the body. The infection is spread primarily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. GGD Brabant-Zuidoost, the health authority, confirmed the standard infectious disease management measures are being followed closely, even though the risk of transmission has been assessed as low.
As noted by health experts, tuberculosis has been on the rise in Europe, particularly among younger populations. The World Health Organization cites that TB is responsible for the deaths of approximately one million people annually, making this a health crisis that merits urgent attention.
With this context, the broader implications of Pérez's diagnosis shine a light on the increasing tuberculosis incidence. In 2023, health officials diagnosed 710 individuals in the Netherlands with tuberculosis, representing a 10% increase in cases compared to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when strict health measures reduced infections.
Health advisors are advocating for improved resource allocation towards timely detection and treatment of tuberculosis. This is part of an ongoing effort to address both the rising incidence of TB and possible antibiotic resistance, which poses another layer of challenge for healthcare systems in Europe.
The health protocols invoked for Pérez also highlight the meticulous procedures clubs must undertake when confronting health crises, not just for individual players but for teams as a whole. The potential for widespread infections in a sport known for close contact is a serious concern for team health and governance.
Pérez's experience reminds us that, while the game of football captivates fans, the health of players is paramount. As he begins his treatment, the world will be watching not just his recovery but also how PSV navigates this challenging period.
With March 24 marking World Tuberculosis Day, the overlap of this global health awareness campaign with Pérez’s diagnosis poignantly draws attention to the ongoing fight against infectious diseases around the globe. PSV, like many clubs, faces the delicate balance of supporting its players while ensuring the health and safety of its entire organization. The developments surrounding Lucas Pérez remain a keen reminder of the importance of health protocols in professional sports, as well as the broader public health issues facing society today.
