A statement has been issued with former footballer Paul Canoville currently in hospital due to a serious decline in his health.
The 63 year old, Chelsea’s first black footballer and a club icon who helped win the Second Division title in 1984, has been hospitalised due to a serious decline in his physical health.
Paul, who scored 15 goals in 103 games for Chelsea before joining Reading in 1986, and also played for the likes of Hillingdon Borough, Enfield, Maidenhead United, Burnham and Egham Town, has faced challenges with crack cocaine addiction and cancer.
His condition has led to the cancellation of charitable appearances, including a documentary premiere about his life, and has taken a significant toll on his mental well-being.
Former Blue Paul Canoville is in hospital due to a serious decline in his health. My thoughts are with his friends and family at this time. 💙💙 [@_PCFoundation] pic.twitter.com/oss2RABzOD
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) June 4, 2025
Former Chelsea player Paul Canoville is in hospital due to a serious decline in his health. Thoughts and best wishes to friends and family. A statement from the Paul Canoville Foundation below:https://t.co/OHOFBId8OU
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) June 4, 2025
A statement from Raphael Frascogna, CEO of The Paul Canoville Foundation said: “It is with a heavy heart that I share an update on the health of our Founder, Paul Canoville.
“Paul is currently in hospital due to a serious decline in his physical health, which has also taken a significant toll on his mental well-being. As someone who has overcome extraordinary challenges throughout his life, Paul remains determined — but he now needs time, care, and space to recover.
“His recent absence from school visits and, most heartbreakingly, the Show Racism the Red Card reception at Downing Street earlier this week, has been deeply upsetting for him. We also want to prepare friends and supporters that Paul is very unlikely to attend the premiere of the new documentary about his life tomorrow evening (Thursday) at Regent Street Cinema — something he had been immensely looking forward to.
“Out of respect for his need to rest and heal, we kindly ask that people refrain from contacting Paul directly at this time. Any messages of support can be shared as comments on our social posts and we will ensure Paul sees these once well enough.
“Paul’s regular public appearances are an important part of his income. While he takes this time away, we’re asking for donations to help ease that burden and continue the Foundation’s impactful work: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/pcfkm
“Thank you for your compassion, your understanding, and your continued support.”
The JustGiving page, organised by The Paul Canoville Foundation, reads: “The Paul Canoville Foundation was founded in 2015 by ex-pro footballer, Paul Canoville, to support young people facing adversity.
“Today, The Paul Canoville Foundation works alongside many organisations globally, supporting thousands of young people through the lens of Paul’s inspirational story.
“You will contribute to our initiatives supporting children and young people with your kind donation.
“Help us on our mission to enrich the lives of children and young adults by helping us implement initiatives that achieve improved outcomes in the areas of Allyship, Belonging and Community.”
Chelsea FC said: “Our thoughts are with Paul Canoville and his family at this difficult time. Paul’s incredible endurance as a player and through his Foundation’s work has provided inspiration for so many. Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes him a full and speedy recovery. 💙”
Twitter users sent best wishes after a statement was issued with Paul Canoville in hospital due to a serious decline in his health…
@Carefree_Jam: Please can everyone think of Paul Canoville 😥 He’s unwell, but he’s a very strong man and I’m sure some love from the Chelsea fanbase will help him 💙
@BakeCFC28: Prayers are with him 🙏
@cfcpep: Sending Love & Best Wishes to Paul 💙
@Nischal_SP: Wishing Paul a speedy and healthy recovery, we’re with you Canners 🙏
@TheKFCKezman: Wishing Canners all the best and praying he makes a swift recovery 💙🙏
@jfkob: Get well soon big man 🙏🏽
@Marco_Polo_76: Sending best wishes Canners! Get well soon!
@fuckoffblueco: Get well soon mate.
@hellierd: Wishing you well, Paul. You have inspired so many.
@ukrainechelsea: @Kingcanners we are with you! Speedy recovery, legend!
@krishan_davis: A legend. Get well soon 💙
@chelseafran: Oh my god, wishing you a speedy recovery @Kingcanners
@Louis_Beneventi: Such a lovely guy and important figure in Chelsea’s history. Get well soon, Paul! 💙
@TheScore01: Oh my word, this is awful. Sending love and prayers to Canners for a full recovery.
@lumbala_jordan: Get well soon Canners 💙💙
@ChelseaFansZW: Get well soon Paul
@rubioluis02: Stay strong unc 💙
@tomcoley49: Best wishes are with Paul. A true gentleman. Hopefully he makes a full recovery.
@burrakan: Always with you @Kingcanners 💙
@youneshhamou_: Best wishes to Paul! Speedy recovery 💪🏻💙
@benlindsayOBE: Get well soon Paul
@TheScore01: Get well soon Paul. We’re all with you.
@Josh__1991: Thoughts are with Paul Canoville right now. Wishing him all the best. Such a strong man. Get well soon, Paul 💪
@TheBlueDodger: Get well soon Canners. 💙
Sending love to @Kingcanners you Paul. It’s a family thing 🖤💙 pic.twitter.com/gEKUiVb0Tx
— DamilolaTaylorTrust (@DTTlondon) June 4, 2025
You must be logged in to post a comment Login