Chelsea icon and former player Paul Canoville has been admitted to hospital following a serious deterioration in his physical health.
The 63-year-old made history at the club as the first black footballer to play for the Blues after signing from Hillingdon Borough in 1981.
After overcoming initial resistance from some fans, Canoville became a beloved figure at Stamford Bridge, helping the team secure the Second Division title in 1984.
The former Chelsea winger, who scored 15 goals in 103 appearances for the club before moving to Reading in 1986, is now receiving hospital care due to a significant health issue.
This health setback has unfortunately forced him to cancel several scheduled charitable appearances, including the premiere of a documentary about his own life, which was planned for Thursday.
Canoville, who has previously faced considerable personal challenges, including battles with crack cocaine addiction and cancer, is now focusing on recovery after the recent health decline also took “a significant toll on his mental well-being.”
A statement released by the Paul Canoville Foundation confirmed his situation and requested privacy: “It is with a heavy heart that I share an update on the health of our Founder, Paul Canoville. Paul is currently in hospital due to a serious decline in his physical health, which has also taken a significant toll on his mental well-being. As someone who has overcome extraordinary challenges throughout his life, Paul remains determined — but he now needs time, care, and space to recover.”
“His recent absence from school visits and, most heartbreakingly, the Show Racism the Red Card reception at Downing Street earlier this week, has been deeply upsetting for him,” the statement added.
The foundation also informed supporters about the documentary premiere: “We also want to prepare friends and supporters that Paul is very unlikely to attend the premiere of the new documentary about his life tomorrow evening (Thursday) at Regent Street Cinema — something he had been immensely looking forward to.”
“Out of respect for his need to rest and heal, we kindly ask that people refrain from contacting Paul directly at this time. Any messages of support can be shared as comments on our social posts and we will ensure Paul sees these once well enough. Paul’s regular public appearances are an important part of his income. While he takes this time away, we’re asking for donations to help ease that burden and continue the Foundation’s impactful work. Thank you for your compassion, your understanding, and your continued support,” the statement concluded, highlighting the financial impact of his absence and requesting donations.
Chelsea Football Club also issued a statement sending their well wishes and paying tribute to Canoville. Their statement read: “Our thoughts are with Paul Canoville and his family at this difficult time. Paul`s incredible endurance as a player and through his Foundation`s work has provided inspiration for so many.”
Following his spell at Reading, Canoville played for several other clubs including Enfield, Maidenhead, Burnham, Northwood, and Egham Town before retiring from playing in 1994.
Later in life, he openly discussed his struggles with crack cocaine addiction, undergoing several rehabilitation programs. Canoville also successfully battled cancer on two occasions, in 1996 and 2004, making a full recovery both times.
In 2015, he established the Paul Canoville Foundation, dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people.
In 2021, he was again hospitalized following complications from emergency surgery, but later returned to his impactful work with the Foundation.
