The sports day: Despite chemo, leg amputated: Cancer drama surrounding Union Berlin’s young goalkeeper

The Sports Day
Leg amputated despite chemo: Cancer drama involving Union Berlin’s young goalkeeper

16.09.2024, 16:49

Berkin Arslanogullari had a dream. To play for the professional team at the Alte Försterei stadium once and for as long as possible. He did everything he could to achieve this. And he came ever closer to his goal. Once, in a friendly match in March 2024, he was in goal for the Union Berlin team, he trained with the Bundesliga squad and otherwise guarded the goal for the U19s.

But for months now, Arslanogullari has been fighting a completely different battle. Diagnosis of bone cancer has ended his old life. Chemotherapy was followed a few days ago by amputation of his left lower leg. This is intended to stop the progression of the disease, but has serious consequences for daily life.

In order to enable a new start in this other life with all the necessary rehabilitation measures, the move to a barrier-free apartment or the conversion of the current one, a friend of the family has now launched a crowdfunding campaignAlmost 30,000 euros have already been spent this Monday afternoon.