PSG Goalkeeper Sergio Rico Hospitalized After Horse Incident in Spain
Sergio Rico, the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, sustained serious injuries following a fall from a horse. The information comes from the Spanish edition of El Mira.
The incident occurred in El Rocío, Spain, shortly after Paris Saint-Germain had officially clinched the French Ligue 1 title for the 2022/23 season. The report notes that the 29-year-old keeper fell while riding in Spain and sustained a head injury. Rico was transported by helicopter to Virgen del Rocío hospital in Seville, where doctors prepared to manage a critical condition and inserted an endotracheal tube to secure the airway.
Another account from the Spanish portal Sore states that Rico was injured when the horse became skittish, throwing him from the saddle and stepping on his head with a hoof. Medical personnel worked to address a cerebral hemorrhage as efforts continued to stabilize him. ESPN later reported that Rico was moved to the intensive care unit upon arrival at the hospital.
Paris Saint-Germain released a message on social media expressing ongoing communication with fans and confirming their full support for the goalkeeper during this difficult period.
Rico joined PSG in 2020 after developing through Sevilla’s academy system. He spent nine years with the Spanish club before moving to the English side Fulham and then returning to PSG. Throughout his time with PSG, Rico has not featured in the first team this season, amassing 11 appearances in nearly three years with the club. His contract was due to run through the summer of 2024, and Transfermarkt estimates his market value at about 4 million euros in the current window.
Earlier this year, Rico faced a separate incident when a home robbery attempt occurred in November. Reports indicate the assailant fled after Rico frightened him. French authorities later apprehended the suspect, a 17-year-old student from a Paris district. The juvenile was detained, then released under police supervision pending further investigations.
In football matters, Paris Saint-Germain had drawn 1-1 with Strasbourg on May 27, with Lionel Messi providing the lone goal for PSG. The team faced two rounds remaining in the season and needed to avoid defeat to secure their title. This outcome would mark PSGs second consecutive Ligue 1 title and the club’s 11th league championship, extending a lead over other French clubs. This result follows Lille’s Ligue 1 triumph in the 2020/21 season.
Note that the coverage of these events has been compiled from multiple outlets including El Mira, Sore, ESPN and official club communications. Attribution is provided to each source where applicable to reflect the reported details and updates as they became available.