Question
Can someone with HIV play professional football?
9 February 2012. Related: All topics.
Can a professional football player have HIV and still play in a football match?
Answer
Yes, a professional football player can have HIV and still play football.
Having HIV does not prevent people from leading from leading active, fulfilling lives.
Best wishes
Hello Zyne and thanks for getting in touch.
HIV doesn’t prevent you from living the life you want or doing the job you like.
I am sure you have read about this already but there are many many examples of footballers, actors and musicians, some more famous than others, who are living with HIV.
HIV doesn’t and shouldn’t define you.
You are the same person you were before your test result.
You have the same opportunities you had before your test results.
Today people living with HIV have the same life expectancy as the general public.
With the medication we have today people can go on to live full, active and successful lives.
I know it doesn’t feel like that now, but things will get better.
It won’t be this difficult as time goes by.
As for talking to people: Talk only to those you feel comfortable to and when you are ready.
All the evidence say that people living with HIV are doing better if they are able to share this with someone.
This person can be a family member, your friend or a peer supporter.
Have you heard about peer support? It’s a service provided by people living with HIV to people living with HIV
Your clinic and local community organisations can connect you to peer support services.
You can read here more information about finding out you are living with HIV:
https://i-base.info/just-found-out/
Please don’t hesitate to contact us at questions@i-base.org.uk if you want to continue this discussion privately.
I’m 27 years old, from a very religious family. I love to play football but I lost hope after testing positive to HIV…. I don’t even know how to tell my family and I’m afraid to relate to my friends, I feel so ashamed of myself.
Hi Khayz, nothing that has happened will stop any of your plans to be a footballer. Without more details I am not sure why you are on medication if your HIV status is not confirmed.
The medicine will not stop an HIV test from working, so you can test again to the same or a different centre. You don’t have to wait three months. Then after the result, explain the situation.
The feelings you have at the moment will not last – whatever the result of the next test. Even if you are positive, this will be a difficult time but it gets much easier. You can still do everything you want in time.
I have been on HIV treatment for more than 25 years and I still lead a very full and active life :)
Earlier this month i was tested hiv positive. But the result cane out ( weak reaction) that’s indeterminate result . I am a football player and willing to play professionally. I am good football player. But I lost hope upon hearing my results which is inconclusive. Now waiting for three months while im on medication .
Hi Nebiyu,
Thanks for sharing with us your words of support and encouragement.
Hi mokube iam not good at english but let me tell you about my self i am foot ball player but am not good but i love it and am positive this makes me strong because i need better than to others with my disease i sayed to my self you are positive but you are strong so i work hard to be better so never give up the disease makes you strong . Think the disease with a postive way
Hi Mokube, it is great that playing football is one of your goals. HIV should not stop you doing anything that you want too. If you are feeling down, is there anyone you can talk to? Perhaps meeting other positive people could help? Or talking to a counsellor for support?
am young and talented and willing to play professional football but this disease just keeps my hopes down please I need help