Dapo Mebude, the former Rangers and Scotland sensation, is battling for his life in a Belgian hospital after a terrifying car crash on Sunday morning.
The 22-year-old striker, who currently plays for Belgian second division club KV Oostende, was on his way to a practice match when he lost control of his car and smashed into a tree near Zedelgem, a town close to Brussels.
Firefighters had to cut him out of the wreckage and rush him to a hospital in Bruges, where he remains in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
The cause of the accident is still unknown and under investigation by the federal highway police and the public prosecutor’s office, who have appointed a traffic expert to examine the scene.
A spokesperson for the police said: ‘It is not clear how the accident could have happened. The public prosecutor’s office has appointed a traffic expert to investigate the precise circumstances of the accident.’
Mebude, who was born in Nigeria but moved to Scotland at a young age, was a star in the making at Rangers, where he joined the youth academy at the age of 10 and also made his senior debut for the club in 2019, coming on as a substitute for Steven Gerrard’s side in a match against Kilmarnock.
He left Rangers in 2021 when his contract expired and signed for Watford, who loaned him out to AFC Wimbledon, where he scored six goals in 32 games in all competitions then moved to Belgium in the summer of 2021, joining KV Oostende on a permanent deal. He has scored four goals in 15 games for the club so far this season.
His brother, Dire Mebude, is also a professional footballer who played for Manchester City’s academy before joining Belgian club K.V.C. Westerlo in 2021.
The football world has been sending messages of support and prayers for Mebude’s recovery, with former teammates, opponents, and fans expressing their shock and sadness at the news.
Steven Gerrard, the former Rangers manager who gave Mebude his debut, said: ‘I’m devastated to hear about Dapo’s accident. He is a fantastic young man and a talented footballer. I hope he pulls through and makes a full recovery. My thoughts are with him and his family.’
AFC Wimbledon, Mebude’s former club, tweeted: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear about Dapo Mebude’s car crash. He was a popular and respected member of our squad last season and we wish him all the best in his recovery. Stay strong, Dapo.’
KV Oostende, Mebude’s current club, released a statement saying: ‘We are shocked and saddened by the news of Dapo Mebude’s car accident. He is a valued and loved member of our team and we are doing everything we can to support him and his family. We ask everyone to respect their privacy and join us in sending positive thoughts and prayers for his recovery.’
