Ömer Toprak recalls near-death experience 10 years later | OneFootball

Ömer Toprak is thankful to be alive 10 years after an afternoon of fun nearly turned tragic.

After Toprak and Freiburg had earned automatic promotion to the Bundesliga after finishing top of the table, the then-19-year-old decided to enjoy an afternoon of go-karting with friends.

The centre-back was lucky to escape with his life after he crashed his go-kart and a tank exploded, putting his career in doubt.

However, he proved everyone, including his doctors, wrong and returned to training less than four months later.

Toprak went on to become one of the better defenders in the Bundesliga and earn 27 caps with the Turkish national team.

On Instagram, Toprak reflected on his horrific experience 10 years later to the day.

“It was one of the worst days of my life,” Toprak said.

“I had an accident and sustained burns on over 40 per cent of my body. I barely survived.

“After seven emergency surgeries and three weeks in intensive care, I was told I would never play football again.

“Ten years and 227 Bundesliga games later, I’d like to thank all my doctors, my family and my friends who helped me during this time.

“I’m very grateful to have been given a second chance. I love this game. If it was only a job, I’d probably never have played again after my accident.

“I’m living proof that you should never give up.”