Belgian footballer, Miguel van Damme tragically passes away at 28 after long battle with Leukaemia
Belgian footballer, Miguel van Damme has tragically passed away at the age of 28 after losing his battle with Leukaemia.
Van Damme was first diagnosed with the disease during a medical check-up ahead of the 2016-17 season, and bravely fought against the illness for over five years. He leaves behind his wife and young daughter.
After the blood cancer returned twice, Van Damme sadly told supporters in September 2020 that it had returned for the third time, and would be incurable.
His partner, Kyana Dobbelaere, paid a touching tribute after his passing.
She wrote: ‘Our dearest darling, daddy left for his last match last night, a match that can no longer be won.
‘You left us very slowly, yet you did it again in your own way… very strong.
‘You fought like a lion. We are so thankful for who you were. An example for many.
‘You have made me realise that there is no such thing as giving up, even if there was only that one small glimmer of success, time and again you got over it.
‘Rest now darling, you have more than earned it, you are now freed from all pain. We would love to see you.
‘Big hug from your two girls. See you later.’
Sporza, a publication in Belgium, have claimed that Van Damme was informed that his cancer was incurable two days after he discovered he would be a father.
The family welcomed their daughter Camille in May 2021.