By The coronavirus, which was first discovered in Wuhan China, has wrought havoc across the world, crippling activities around the world.
The virus affected major industries, including that of football, with international and local sports men and coaches testing positive to the deadly virus.
Major Leagues and competitions were also forced to postpone games following the fast-rise pandemic.
Below are list of coaches and footballers who have contracted the virus :
1. Arsenal Coach – Mikel Arteta
In mid-March 2020, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta was confirmed to have contracted the virus.
As a result, the entire Gunners squad was quarantined and their game against Brighton was postponed.
“This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly,” Arteta said in a statement released by the club.
2. Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi
Hudson was confirmed to have been a positive Covid-19 case, but quickly revealed that he had recovered from the virus.
Thank you for all your good wishes, as I said in the video I’m feeling good and hope to see you all soon!!🙏🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/hn5d0ikm60
— Callum Hudson-Odoi (@Calteck10) March 13, 2020
3. Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy
Mendy was forced to self-isolate when it emerged that a family member had contracted the virus.
4. On Friday March 13, Everton announced that their squad was in self-isolation after a player reported symptoms consistent with those of coronavirus.
5. Liverpool’s Sir Kenny Dalglish
In April, Liverpool legend, Sir Kenny Dalglish, was confirmed as having the virus when in hospital for a gallstones operation. While Dalglish was a confirmed case, however, he did not suffer any symptoms.
6. Ex-Real Madrid President Lorenzo Sanz
On March 21, tragedy struck when former Real president Lorenzo Sanz died after contracting the virus.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo tested positive for Covid-19 twice, initially tested positive on October 13.
The Juventus striker had to isolate, making him miss a showdown with rival star, Messi in the Champions League.
8. Manchester United’s Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba was left out of France’s squad for the Nations League games against Sweden and Croatia after testing positive for coronavirus.
The news was confirmed by France head coach Didier Deschamps after he announced the squad for the games, with Pogba’s place being taken by 17-year-old Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
9. Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele has also tested positive for coronavirus, according to reports.
10. PSG Coach, Pochettino
Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino tested positive for Covid-19, according to the club.
“Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has tested positive for Sars-Cov2 after a PCR test,” a club statement read.
11. Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane
Real Madrid announced on Friday that Zidane has tested positive for COVID-19.
The positive test comes a day before Madrid travel to Alaves in La Liga seeking to bounce back from an embarrassing midweek Copa del Rey exit.
