Celtic’s Elena Sadiku: ‘That infection made me question everything. I was scared of losing my life’
Elena Sadiku, a remarkable figure in football, reflects on her journey from a life-threatening infection to becoming the youngest coach in Champions League history. At just 30 years old, she is set to lead her Celtic team against Twente in the Women’s Champions League, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Sadiku’s path has been anything but ordinary. At the age of 23, she faced a severe infection that nearly cost her a leg and made her confront the fragility of life. “That infection made me question everything,” she admits. “I was scared of losing my life.” This harrowing experience has shaped her perspective on both football and life itself.
Despite the challenges, Sadiku’s confidence shines through as she reflects on her past as a player. “I was pretty good,” she acknowledges, a statement that is both humble and self-assured. Her journey has been marked by resilience and determination, leading her to this pivotal moment in her coaching career.
On Tuesday, when she takes the field as Celtic’s head coach, she will break the record previously held by Julian Nagelsmann, becoming the youngest coach in the history of European football’s premier club competition, regardless of gender. This achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
As she prepares for the match, Sadiku embodies the spirit of perseverance, proving that even in the face of adversity, success is within reach.