Uruguayan legend Fabian O'Neill dies of alcoholism at 49

2022-12-27 18:11

Uruguayan legend Fabian O'Neill dies of alcoholism at 49


Former Juventus midfielder and Uruguayan star Fabian O'Neill died of liver disease on Christmas Day 2022 at the age of 49. His death has now been confirmed by his daughter Marina O'Neill.


Fabian O'Neal was born in Paso de los Toros in 1973 and started his career with the local giants Club Nacional. In 1996, O'Neill went to Cagliari to start his Serie A career, and then played for Juventus and Perugia.


In January 2003, O'Neill returned to Club Nacional again, and hung up his boots on July 1 of the same year.


At the national team level, Fabian O'Neill only played 18 times for Uruguay and scored 2 goals.


In 2020, O'Neill suffered from severe liver disease due to long-term alcoholism, and failed to quit drinking several times in the past two years. Until this year's Christmas Eve, O'Neill fell into a coma due to gastrointestinal bleeding due to chronic liver disease, and died after rescue efforts failed.


Condolences from various clubs

As soon as the news of Fabian O'Neill's death came out, many people in the football world expressed their deep condolences. Club Nacional immediately stated: "Today, all members of Club Nacional are in mourning. We express our sincerest condolences to his family and friends."


Cagliari also expressed his condolences on O'Neill's death: "Proud to be able to admire your genius up close: pure, crystal clear, like the most precious diamond. Cagliari never ceased to love the wizard who wore the number 10. Rest in peace, Fabian. You will always be one of us."


Juventus said on social media: "Fabian O'Neal was only 49 years old, but left us in Montevideo. Juventus remembers Fabian and expresses condolences to his family."