Andre Wisdom: Former Liverpool Defender Overcomes Stabbing to Play Non-League Football
Five years after surviving a stabbing that left him with lasting injuries, ex-Liverpool defender and U21 captain Andre Wisdom signs for non-league FC United of Manchester, reflecting on his recovery, career journey and future ambitions.
Warning: This article contains references to violence
Former Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom reflects on his career shift five years after a life-changing stabbing as he signs for non-league FC United of Manchester.
Early promise at Liverpool and move to Derby County
Coming through Liverpool's academy, Wisdom made 22 first-team appearances alongside Steven Gerrard and Luis Suárez before joining Derby County for £4.5m in 2017. Three years later, while visiting family in Liverpool, he was attacked by masked assailants who stabbed him multiple times and stole his designer watch.
Recovery and return to the pitch
Wisdom suffered wounds to his thigh, head, buttocks and chest. After two operations, he remarkably returned to action for Derby just 69 days later, appearing as a substitute in a League Cup tie. Although he made 40 appearances the next season, he admits he never regained his previous power and speed.
Trials and non-league football
Released by Derby in 2021, Wisdom had short trials at Portsmouth, Birmingham and Sheffield United before re-emerging in September 2023 with Warrington Town and later Derry City. Now 32, he competes part-time in the Northern Premier League Premier Division and scored in a 3-1 victory for FC United of Manchester.
Life beyond football
Off the pitch, Wisdom invests in property near Liverpool, renting houses to young Reds players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, and is working on his UEFA B coaching badge. He says the stabbing left him with lasting nerve damage and emotional scars but also taught him vigilance and resilience.
Despite facing a terrifying assault and enduring long-term injuries, Andre Wisdom's determination and love for the game have powered his return to competitive football at FC United of Manchester.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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