Dortmund’s Karetsas hospitalised after collapsing in Champions League match

What the report says

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas was taken to hospital after collapsing during the club’s Champions League match against Villarreal, Al Jazeera reported on 9 September 2026, citing a statement from the German team. The 18-year-old Greece international reportedly left the pitch in the 25th minute after telling the referee he was unwell, and was later stretchered off for treatment.

Dortmund said Karetsas had experienced circulatory problems and was being checked at hospital for further tests. The club added that he was doing well under the circumstances. At the time he went off, the score was 0-0 in a match Dortmund later won 3-2.

The incident occurred in Karetsas’s Champions League debut and came shortly after Dortmund signed him from Genk in the off-season for a reported $34.9 million. Al Jazeera noted that he had attracted interest from several clubs after a strong season in Belgium, where he recorded 11 assists in 28 league appearances.

The article also places Karetsas among Dortmund’s notable summer arrivals alongside Greek teammate Giannis Konstantelias, highlighting the club’s investment in young attacking talent. The case underlines the physical risks faced by players in major European competitions and the importance of immediate medical response when a player collapses on the field.