Pascal Nouma, now 52, the former French striker revealed at PSG before becoming a star for Turkey, revealed that he played 11 matches for OM in 2001-2002 while battling muscle cancer. Known for his eventful career between French clubs and his star status in Türkiye at Besiktas Istanbul, he went through a dark period on his return to France. OM, then in crisis, saw Nouma play despite persistent fatigue, which he initially attributed to a minor problem.
After the removal of a cyst behind the neck, the diagnosis was made: muscular cancer. “I was told that I had muscle cancer and then I burst out laughing,” he confided to Ouest-France. Despite intensive treatments (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), Nouma remains on the field: “Doctor Gaillaud told me: 'I don't know how you managed to play with cancer.' The club was not informed, medical confidentiality. The doc said I had a problem with my ankle. »
Bernard Tapie reveals the secret in the locker room
However, his illness does not remain a secret. “Bernard Tapie comes into the locker room and says: 'Pascal Nouma has skull cancer, he's going to die!' “, he recalls. This revelation creates a shock wave, particularly among Besiktas supporters. The latter, learning of his condition, demanded his return: “They shouted my name during every match. They burned the front of the club's headquarters protesting: 'If he has to die, he has to die in Türkiye!' » After eight months of therapy, Nouma returned to Türkiye but struggled to get back into shape: “I had to relearn how to play football. It was like swimming across the Atlantic. » In retrospect, he appreciates the seriousness of his situation: “I was told that 98% of people with my illness died. » A story of extraordinary resilience.
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To summarize
Pascal Nouma, former PSG player and more short-lived OM player, revealed in an interview that he suffered from cancer during his time in Marseille. A period during which a certain Bernard Tapie returned to business.
France
Soccer
