BOGSTADVEIEN, OSLO (Nettavisen) — “They told me I could never play football again,” Jacob Dicko Eng reflects, the weight of those words casting a long shadow over his young life.
Once heralded as one of the brightest talents in Norway’s Eliteserien, Jacob’s future shone brightly until a fateful match for Vålerenga 2 against Fram Larvik abruptly changed everything. At just 19 years old, he faced the harsh reality of being labeled a “football invalid.”
“I didn’t fully process what the doctor said after that,” he admits, still grappling with disbelief.
Two years on, the now 21-year-old shares his story over coffee in a bustling café in Oslo. His life has transformed in ways he could never have imagined.
“Then the Panic Set In”
Turning back to that tragic game in Larvik, Jacob recounts the moment that shattered his dreams.
“I have little memory of that day, as I was heavily sedated afterward. I remember putting my weight on my right knee and hearing a noticeable ‘crack.’ It dawned on me that something was dreadfully wrong, but I never imagined it could be so severe.”
That crack was a wake-up call. While his cruciate ligament and other knee ligaments were intact, a severe injury to the main nerve on the outside of his knee would prove to be the devastating blow that not only crippled his playing career but also left him with a complete loss of sensation in his foot.
“That’s when the panic set in.”
Though doctors in Norway prescribed rehabilitation, the prognosis was grim. But encouragement from his partner, Hannah, and mother-in-law Eva prompted Jacob to seek a second opinion. He soon found a skilled surgeon in Denmark.
The operation was a success. His foot began to improve, and sensation slowly returned to his calf.
“I can’t help but think, if only I had pursued that surgery nine months earlier, things might have turned out differently. I’m disappointed that the Norwegian medical staff told me to give up,” he sighs.
Insight from the Experts
Nettavisen reached out to Oslo University Hospital for an official comment regarding Jacob’s care in Norway. Chief physician Andreas Persson, who performed the surgery in Denmark, explained the rationale behind the initial treatment path.
“This type of nerve damage is indeed treated in Norway, but sometimes the severity of the injury warrants more advanced procedures,” Persson elaborated. “In Jacob’s case, the damage was extensive, making conventional interventions less effective.”
He noted that while various nerve surgeries exist, they don’t always yield better outcomes than allowing for natural recovery.
“Jacob was informed that returning to elite football was unlikely early on, based on imaging and nerve examinations. Yet, he was always given options for potential corrective therapies as time went on.”
A Flicker of Hope
The trauma has inevitably left its mark. Jacob speaks candidly about his struggles, but credits professional counseling for aiding his recovery.
“I spent a lot of time revisiting what went wrong. In the past year, I’ve learned to push those thoughts aside,” he observes, pausing to sip his now tepid coffee.
He continues, “Therapy was crucial for me. If I manage to make a comeback, that’s a bonus. If not, that’s just part of life.” A faint smile breaks through.
Life has indeed found a new rhythm for Jacob in the last year. He and Hannah welcomed their daughter, Sol, into the world amid the uncertainty of their future. Their decision to embrace parenthood was unwavering.
“We both love kids. That became a turning point for me, allowing me to focus my love and time on her,” he shares.
The pride in his voice is palpable when he speaks of his daughter. “Hannah has been my rock, my biggest supporter through all of this,” he beams.
A New Chapter
Fatherhood has filled Jacob with renewed energy and perspective. He reflects on his own upbringing, noting how his father has expressed regrets about waiting to start a family.
“I’m grateful to be a father at a young age. All the difficulties I’ve faced seem distant now, overshadowed by the joy my family brings me,” he confides.
As for his role as a parent, Jacob chuckles. “I think I’m a pretty easygoing dad. Maybe a bit too lenient—Sol gets almost everything she wants!”
One Last Chance for Football
As summer approached, Jacob parted ways with Vålerenga, yet he remains determined to reclaim his place on the pitch.
“Jacob’s situation is profoundly sad—not just for Vålerenga but especially for him. He’s an incredible talent and an equally remarkable young man,” says Joacim Jonsson, sporting director at Vålerenga.
However, Jacob is not ready to concede. He recently joined the ranks of YMCA Oslo, an initiative reached out to him.
“They reached out to see how I was doing. I’ve been training with them for over two months, and it feels fantastic to be back on the field,” he expresses joyfully.
He acknowledges the road ahead is still uncertain, yet he is participating in training exercises and drills.
“I’m cautious about how I’ll handle contact in live play, but for now, I’m just grateful to be involved,” he says, tempered yet hopeful.
YMCA coach Johannes Moesgaard shares his optimism, noting Jacob’s potential. “From a coaching perspective, he’s shown determination. If we can help boost his chances for a comeback, we’re more than willing to support him.”
While Jacob is aware of the odds, he’s determined to give the sport one final shot.
“Right now, I cherish the fact that I still have the chance to play and enjoy my family. If I’m not back on the field by next summer, I may have to move on, but for now, I’m focused on making the most of this opportunity.”
