UD Las Palmas Captain Kirian Rodríguez Steps Away from Football Due to Cancer Relapse

In a heart-wrenching press conference, Kirian Rodríguez, the captain of UD Las Palmas, announced his temporary withdrawal from professional football due to a recurrence of cancer. This marks the second time the player has had to step away from the sport to battle the disease.

Rodríguez, who previously fought Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2022, shared the difficult news with journalists at the club’s training ground. “Yesterday, I was informed that my cancer has returned,” he stated solemnly. “I will need to pause my career once again and undergo another round of chemotherapy to fight this illness.”

The player expressed deep gratitude towards the club, its management, coaching staff, and his teammates. He specifically requested his fellow players not to attend the press conference, emphasizing the importance of their focus on upcoming matches.

Despite the challenging road ahead, Rodríguez maintained an optimistic outlook. “I hope to see you all again in the 2025/26 season,” he said, “because I’m 100% certain that the club, players, and coaching staff will be back in the Primera División.”

Rodríguez’s absence will be keenly felt by UD Las Palmas. The captain has been a crucial player under coach Diego Martínez, appearing in 21 matches this season and missing only one due to injury. The club now faces the remainder of the season without their inspirational leader on the field.

The football community has rallied around Rodríguez, offering support and well-wishes as he embarks on this difficult journey once again. His courage and positive attitude in the face of adversity continue to inspire both his teammates and fans alike.