Keelan Williams retires at 22 after heart condition ends playing career

Former Liverpool academy player and Wales youth international Keelan Williams has retired from football at 22 after a heart condition prevented him from continuing his playing career. In an interview reported by BBC Sport, Williams described his treatment, the difficulties he experienced after returning to the pitch and his decision to stop following medical advice. He is now encouraging footballers at all levels to have their hearts checked.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrVNxiDhpKY

Williams said the condition was discovered during a routine examination at a Wales Under-16s camp before an overseas trip. Staff suspected a heart murmur and stopped him travelling pending further tests. He was referred to Broadgreen Hospital in Liverpool, where doctors identified a bicuspid aortic valve with a slight leak. He recalled having no symptoms at the time and initially being able to continue playing.

His career began at Cefn United before he joined a Liverpool satellite academy at six and signed with the club at eight. He stayed in Liverpool's academy until 16, then moved to Burnley while representing Wales through under-19 level. Williams subsequently played for Bala Town and Denbigh Town. He joined Bala in January 2024, seeking to continue his career closer to home after leaving Burnley's academy.

A check-up later in 2024 showed that the valve leak had worsened and surgery was needed, the BBC reported. Williams underwent valve-sparing aortic root replacement surgery in January 2025, followed by implantation of a dual-chamber pacemaker. Complications included sepsis, a collapsed lung and respiratory failure, requiring 11 days in intensive care. A second operation in September 2025 was successful, raising his hopes of playing again.

On returning, however, Williams experienced breathlessness and heavy legs when sprinting. He initially attributed those problems to rebuilding fitness after surgery, but said he was subsequently diagnosed with heart failure. Medication and an upgraded pacemaker did not resolve his difficulties. After a recent echocardiogram showed little improvement, he decided he could no longer continue physically.

Williams continues to attend specialist clinics and said support from family, friends and social media had helped him adjust. His brother Neco's success also remains a source of encouragement. Having learned of his condition before experiencing symptoms, Williams urged players whose clubs cannot provide routine screening to seek heart checks themselves.