Football player Willi Orban, 30, was due to undergo surgery on Wednesday to collect stem cells for an unknown patient. On Instagram, the Hungarian international playing at RB Leipzig (Germany) encouraged Internet users to also become donors. He explained that he registered with the health authorities in 2017 and communicated the link to do so.
“When I was called to tell me that my cells were compatible with a person in need, I did not hesitate for a second,” wrote the German-Hungarian defender. Willi Orban’s gesture is all the more admirable for many observers as three days after the operation, his team is playing a crucial match. Fourth in the German football championship, RB Leipzig faces Union Berlin, second in the standings, specifies West France.
“We can save lives”
Only two points separate the two clubs. “I am determined and I always want to be on the pitch. But I think it is clear that in such a situation […], we can save lives, ”said the captain of RB Leipzig to justify his decision in an interview relayed on Twitter. He also says that he was initially contacted by the health authorities by email and believed it was spam.
The footballer said he received injections before the operation, which usually lasts between two and three hours. RMC Sport reports that some information concerning the patient who will receive Willi Orban’s stem cells has been communicated to the latter. Eventually, a meeting between the two men could be envisaged.