Footballer Connor Goldson shares an emotional announcement that is to have a second open heart surgery, posting a video on social media.
The 33 year old former EFL and Scottish Premiership centre-back, who last played for Aris Limassol in the Cypriot First Division, will undergo a second open heart surgery procedure on Tuesday. On the 26th of June 2026, he had signed for Apollon Limassol.
His youth days was spent at Shrewsbury Town, then he made 120 appearances for them between 2010 and 2015, scoring 8 times. He had a loan spell with Cheltenham between 2013 and 2014, then signed for Brighton, making 42 appearances, scoring 3 times between 2015 and 2018.
In February 2017, he first found out he had a heart defect in a screening, and was sidelined for the remainder of the season to have preventative surgery
In 2018, he signed for Rangers, and after 310 appearances and 23 goals, left in 2024 for Aris Limassol, who he has made 62 appearances and scored 3 goals across tow seasons.
He captioned his post: “14.07.26 — Round Two. I never really spoke about my first operation. I kept most of that journey to myself.
“This time, I want to let people in a little more.
“Not because I’m looking for sympathy, but because if sharing my journey helps just one person facing something similar feel a little less alone, then it’s worth it!”
He said in his video: “On Tuesday, I’ll have my second open heart surgery. Nine years after the first. It’s strange how quickly life can change.
“Ten days ago, I was planning for yet another pre-season. Today, I’m preparing for another operation.
“Over the last ten days, I’ve felt every emotion imaginable. For the first time, my children saw me cry.
“And as a family, we all cried together. At first, I was told my football career might be over and that I would need another operation.
“I’ll be honest, I was angry. I kept asking myself, why me? After everything I sacrificed, every early morning, every training session, every setback I fought through, why did I have to face this again?
“Then the memories came back, the pain, the recovery, learning to trust my body again. Nine years ago, it feels like another lifetime, but suddenly it all became real again.
“Part of me is calm because I’ve done this before and the other part of me is scared because I know exactly what’s waiting for me.
“But then I looked at it differently. This operation isn’t taking anything away from me. It’s giving me more time. My enlarged aorta could have ruptured. Two routine heart scans nine years apart have probably saved my life and for that I’ll always be grateful.
“After speaking to some of the best cardiologists and surgeons, I was told something I desperately wanted to hear. Football isn’t finished. If everything goes well, this doesn’t define the end of my career. It’s simply another chapter.
“Nine years ago, football was everything. I was just starting out. I needed to prove myself. I needed to build a life for me and my future family.
“Now, I’m already living the life I once dreamed of. I have an incredible wife, three beautiful children. I’ve played in the Premier League, Europa League, Champions League. I’ve won trophies. I’ve played more games than I ever imagined I would after my first operation. And for all of that, I’m incredibly grateful.
“I hope one day my children watch this and understand something. Life isn’t about avoiding setbacks. It’s about how you respond to them.
“Yes, I’m scared. I’m nervous. Some moments when I’m alone my mind races.
“But then I remind myself that there are people fighting battles far bigger than mine every single day. And that thought gives me perspective and reminds me to be grateful.
“Tomorrow is another operation, not the end of my story, just another chapter and I’ll do what I’ve always done, face it, fight it and come back stronger.
“Nine years ago I was given a second chance, Tuesday I’ll be given another one and I’m excited to see what chapters are still waiting to be written.”
The football world reacted after Connor Goldson shares emotional announcement of needing a second major open heart surgery…
fashionjr10: My brother ❤️🙏🏿 I’m praying for you and believing that God will strengthen you and be with you every step of the way. Stay strong, keep your faith, and trust that everything will be okay. Thank you for being such an amazing brother. I’m truly grateful for your friendship, and I believe you’ll come through this stronger than ever. Wishing you God’s peace, strength, and a full, speedy recovery. God bless you always. ❤️🙏🏿
s_davis_8: Sending love & strength to you and the family big man, you’ve met every challenge you’ve faced head on and I know you’ll do the same with this. Love ya mate 💙
antonio_colak: Stay strong, my big brate! We are all with you. 🙏🏼❤️ Wishing you a speedy recovery. We’re praying for you and sending you all our love and strength. ❤️
ianishagi: Big bro, we are all with you! 🙏🏼 Stay strong and keep your faith in God! ❤️
jbutland_: just another challenge to overcome, all with you mate 🙌
scottwright_: So inspirational ❤️ wishing you a full and speedy recovery brother and know you’ll be able to face whatever challenges come your way ❤️
michaelbeale4980: Sending Love and strength to You and family ❤️ your journey is already a huge inspiration
rangersfc: 💙 The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with you. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
andyfirth1996: You’ve got this big man, sending our love to you and your family & can’t wait to see you back on the pitch again 🤞🏼💙
leon._.king: Stay strong brother, we are all with you ❤️
allymccoist9: Your the man big fella. Think of that family. Love , strength and very best wishes. 🫡💙
calvinbassey: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ my brother
bornab7: Stay strong brate 💙 good luck 💪🏽🙏🏽
robbie_fraser3: Stay strong Con, you have got this once again ❤️
ryanjack_8: Stay strong mate sending love to you and the family 💙
fourladshadadreampodcast: Sending love Connor, we are always with you. Recover strong ❤️
toddcantwell: Same again my brother ❤️
ross.mccausland11: ❤️
gregdocherty96: 💙
alexlowry10: Stay strong mate 💙💙
rangersontourofficial: Health is wealth 💙
jamesmoody7: From somebody who went through unplanned open heart surgery last year, you are a true inspiration to me and many others. Keep fighting the good fight ❤️
azora.football: We’re all with you 💙🇬🇧
wearethepeople72: God bless you brother. You’ve got this. 💙
thek9way_: Stay strong mate! ❤️💙 We are all with you!
h_watlingcoach: Sending all my best wishes big man ❤️
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