secret footballer graphic
The Secret Footballer —
Lauren Said-Moorhouse/CNN
In 2009, Robert Enke was first-choice goalkeeper for the German national football team, enjoying a successful club spell with Hannover. But in November of that year, he took his own life by stepping in front of train. The 32-year-old had been battling depression for the majority of his career and the story of his struggle is told movingly in Ronald Reng's acclaimed biography "A life too short: The tragedy of Robert Enke".
Robert Enke —
In 2009, Robert Enke was first-choice goalkeeper for the German national football team, enjoying a successful club spell with Hannover. But in November of that year, he took his own life by stepping in front of train. The 32-year-old had been battling depression for the majority of his career and the story of his struggle is told movingly in Ronald Reng's acclaimed biography "A life too short: The tragedy of Robert Enke".
Getty Images
Kelly Holmes is a British sporting hero after winning her gold medals over 800 and 1500 meters at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. But the track star has had to fight depression throughout her life, including a period of self-harming in the year before her Olympic triumph.
Kelly Holmes —
Kelly Holmes is a British sporting hero after winning her gold medals over 800 and 1500 meters at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. But the track star has had to fight depression throughout her life, including a period of self-harming in the year before her Olympic triumph.
Getty Images
Stan Collymore is former England footballer turned broadcaster who now campaigns for depression charities. He tweeted last year: "I'm tweeting because the stigma around this illness suggests that us sufferers all of a sudden become useless, maudlin, and unable to function. Well, I haven't seen daylight for 4 days now ... but I've done a week of Talksport/Channel 5 prep work, a national newspaper column, all in the eye of one of the most challenging, soul destroying bouts of this cruel illness one could have."
Stan Collymore —
Stan Collymore is former England footballer turned broadcaster who now campaigns for depression charities. He tweeted last year: "I'm tweeting because the stigma around this illness suggests that us sufferers all of a sudden become useless, maudlin, and unable to function. Well, I haven't seen daylight for 4 days now ... but I've done a week of Talksport/Channel 5 prep work, a national newspaper column, all in the eye of one of the most challenging, soul destroying bouts of this cruel illness one could have."
Getty Images
Sebastian Diesler was hailed as the future of German football after bursting onto the international scene at the start of the last decade. His performances earned him a move to Bayern Munich in 2002, but by 2007 he had retired -- aged 27. Diesler endured an injury-ravaged career, while struggling to come to terms with the pressure of professional football.
Sebastian Diesler —
Sebastian Diesler was hailed as the future of German football after bursting onto the international scene at the start of the last decade. His performances earned him a move to Bayern Munich in 2002, but by 2007 he had retired -- aged 27. Diesler endured an injury-ravaged career, while struggling to come to terms with the pressure of professional football.
Getty Images
Boxer Ricky Hatton revealed he contemplated suicide following his brutal defeat to Manny Pacquiao in 2009. Hatton, who has suffered from drink and drug problems, retired from the sport in the aftermath of the loss, but this month announced he intends to make a return to the ring in November.
Ricky Hatton —
Boxer Ricky Hatton revealed he contemplated suicide following his brutal defeat to Manny Pacquiao in 2009. Hatton, who has suffered from drink and drug problems, retired from the sport in the aftermath of the loss, but this month announced he intends to make a return to the ring in November.
Getty Images
Marcus Trescothick was a key member of the England Test cricket team which beat Australia to win the Ashes in 2005. Ahead of the return series in 2007, England announced Trescothick would be leaving the squad citing a reccurence of a stress-related illness as the reason.
Marcus Trescothick —
Marcus Trescothick was a key member of the England Test cricket team which beat Australia to win the Ashes in 2005. Ahead of the return series in 2007, England announced Trescothick would be leaving the squad citing a reccurence of a stress-related illness as the reason.
Getty Images
Jerry West is an NBA icon who revealed he has been battling depression since childhood, stemming from his abusive father. West said his relationship with his father left him feeling worthless and tormented.
Jerry West —
Jerry West is an NBA icon who revealed he has been battling depression since childhood, stemming from his abusive father. West said his relationship with his father left him feeling worthless and tormented.
Getty Images
Former New Zealand rugby international John Kirwan spoke in detail about his battle with depression in the book "All Blacks Don't Cry". He is actively involved with mental health campaigns in his homeland.
John Kirwan —
Former New Zealand rugby international John Kirwan spoke in detail about his battle with depression in the book "All Blacks Don't Cry". He is actively involved with mental health campaigns in his homeland.
Getty Images