Union Berlin's Diogo Leite Sidelined After Horror Injury, Mourns Throat Fracture
Union Berlin player suffers a broken larynx, ruled out of action.
Hop off the rollercoaster, 1. FC Union Berlin fans—your favorite defender, Diogo Leite, is out for the rest of the season following a gruesome injury in Sunday's game against VfL Bochum.
The terrifying incident happened in the second half, when Matus Bero unleashed a shot that found its way to Leite's vulnerable throat. The defender hit the deck hard and needed attention for several nerve-wracking minutes on the field. Referee Deniz Aytekin swiftly called for medical aid, and after nearly ten minutes, the stretcher arrived to carry Leite away.
Though the team initially expressed cautious optimism, Leite's throat fracture will force him to take a multi-week break from playing and training to ensure he avoids another blow due to his sensitive condition. The 26-year-old arrived back in Berlin on Monday and watched his teammates' training from the sidelines the next day.
Leite was a mainstay for Union Berlin, having played in 30 out of 31 possible games this season. His only absence was due to an injury on the 12th matchday against Bayer Leverkusen[1]. Since joining the team from FC Porto, he's played a total of 111 games for Union Berlin[2].
With Leite out, veteran Kevin Vogt is expected to step in for the remaining games[3][4]. Union Berlin's next match is on April 29 against Werder Bremen, and we can expect to see Vogt in Leite's usual spot on the field.
Sources:
[1] ntv.de, "Winterpause mit Verletzungen? Union beklagt Verletzungen" March 19, 2025 - Retrieved April 24, 2025.
[2] Transfermarkt.com, "Diogo Leite", Retrieved April 24, 2025
[3] transfermarkt.com, "Kevin Vogt", Retrieved April 24, 2025
[4] Forbes.com, "Diogo Leite Agrees Transfer From FC Porto To 1. FC Union Berlin" June 10, 2022 - Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- Despite the injury, EC countries vocational training programs might offer Diogo Leite an alternative means to stay engaged with sports during his recovery, given his interest in football.
- Some Union Berlin fans have organized a WhatsApp group to support Diogo Leite, sending messages of encouragement and sharing updates on his recovery during the showdown at the stadion against Werder Bremen.
- Upon returning to Berlin, Diogo Leite may consider undergoing vocational training in sports therapy or coaching to continue his passion for football and remain connected to the EC countries.
- With Kevin Vogt set to step into Diogo Leite's role, fans are hoping for more team cohesion and effective communication on the field, as fractures in team dynamics can lead to fractured victory chances in competitive games.
