Brighton and Hove Albion’s talented midfielder Julio Enciso recently shared a harrowing experience that took place while he was en route to join Paraguay’s national team for their World Cup qualifier against Ecuador. The 20-year-old, who has become a promising figure in football, recounted a frightening medical emergency that unfolded while he was aboard a flight to meet up with his teammates.
Enciso, who had just featured as a second-half substitute in Brighton’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Tottenham, embarked on the journey to link up with Paraguay’s squad ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifiers. However, things took a sudden and alarming turn mid-flight when he began to feel unwell and eventually lost consciousness. Fortunately, a fellow passenger came to his aid in what could have been a more severe situation.
Once he had safely reunited with Paraguay’s squad, Enciso took to social media to share details of the ordeal, revealing how close he had come to a dangerous outcome. Enciso explained that he had been suffering from exhaustion, a lack of proper nourishment, and sleep deprivation before the flight. These factors culminated in him fainting as he tried to make his way to the restroom.
The situation was especially worrying as Enciso felt completely powerless in the moment. He described how his body simply gave out, leaving him weak and disoriented. Thankfully, a nearby passenger noticed his distress and swiftly helped him, bringing him to the front of the plane and providing him with something to eat and drink. The passenger offered him Coca-Cola and a type of Japanese soup, which Enciso said made him feel significantly better and helped stabilize him during the remainder of the flight.
This mid-air scare understandably shook the young player, who admitted he thought he was in serious danger. The lack of sleep and proper food had likely contributed to his condition, and the swift action of the kind passenger proved to be a crucial intervention. Enciso expressed his gratitude and relief in his post, clearly aware of how differently the situation could have turned out.
Despite the frightening experience, Enciso remained determined to focus on his international duties and make an impact for his national team. He had joined up with Paraguay’s squad under head coach Gustavo Alfaro to prepare for the important upcoming matches, beginning with their World Cup qualifier against Ecuador. Paraguay, a team that hasn’t qualified for a World Cup since 2006, is aiming to break that long drought and secure a spot in the 2026 tournament.
Enciso’s health scare highlights the physical and mental demands placed on modern footballers. With grueling schedules, international travel, and high-pressure performances, maintaining peak physical condition is a constant challenge. For Enciso, the combination of travel fatigue, lack of sleep, and insufficient nutrition likely led to his sudden collapse on the plane. Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of proper care and management, especially when dealing with the intense travel schedules that professional athletes endure.
Julio Enciso is no stranger to overcoming challenges in his career. Born in Paraguay, he quickly rose through the ranks of his home country’s football system, earning his senior international debut at just 17 years old. His precocious talent was apparent early on, and he soon caught the attention of European clubs. Brighton & Hove Albion, known for their astute talent scouting, signed Enciso in 2022, where he has since been developing his skills in the competitive environment of the English Premier League.
Though he has yet to secure a regular starting spot at Brighton, Enciso has shown promise in his appearances off the bench. He continues to grow as a player, learning from the intense competition in one of the world’s most demanding football leagues. With a handful of appearances in the current season, including the recent win over Tottenham, Enciso has been gradually proving himself as a valuable asset to the team.
As a key member of the Paraguay national team, Enciso’s international career has also been on the rise. To date, he has earned 19 caps for his country, making his debut at a remarkably young age. His first goal for the national team came during a crucial match against Colombia in the 2024 Copa America. Although Paraguay lost that game, Enciso’s performance demonstrated his potential and secured his place as one of the national team’s rising stars.
Now, as Paraguay faces the challenge of World Cup qualification, Enciso will be looking to contribute to their efforts on the pitch. Paraguay’s upcoming matches, including the showdown against Ecuador, are pivotal as the team seeks to make their return to the World Cup stage after an 18-year absence. The team’s last appearance in the global tournament was in 2006, and the current generation of players is determined to change that narrative.
The match against Ecuador, set to take place at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito, promises to be a tough test. Ecuador, known for their solid home performances due to the high altitude in Quito, will not make it easy for Paraguay. For players like Enciso, performing at such altitudes can present additional physical challenges, making preparation all the more important.
Paraguay’s World Cup qualification campaign also includes another significant fixture against Venezuela on October 16. Both matches will be crucial in determining whether Paraguay can break their long World Cup absence and secure a spot in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Enciso’s health scare adds an extra layer of tension to what is already a high-pressure situation for both him and his national team. However, his resilience and determination to push through adversity have been evident throughout his career. As he prepares to take the field for Paraguay, fans will be hopeful that this incident will not affect his performance and that he can contribute positively to the team’s success.
Off the field, this incident may serve as a learning experience for Enciso and other young players in terms of managing their physical and mental well-being. The demands of professional football, especially at the international level, require athletes to be at their best both physically and mentally. Ensuring proper rest, nutrition, and self-care is essential in avoiding potential health scares and maintaining peak performance.
For Julio Enciso, the immediate focus will be on helping Paraguay in their World Cup qualification efforts, but the incident on the plane will likely serve as a reminder of the importance of self-care in his career moving forward. As he continues to develop as a player, both at Brighton and with the national team, fans and coaches alike will be watching closely to see how he bounces back from this experience.
Enciso’s story also sheds light on the human side of professional athletes, who are often seen as being physically invincible. The reality is that even top-tier athletes are vulnerable to health issues, especially when factors like travel, fatigue, and stress are involved. Enciso’s openness in sharing his ordeal serves as a reminder that athletes, despite their physical prowess, need to prioritize their health and well-being to perform at their best.
As Paraguay prepares for their upcoming matches, fans will be hopeful that Enciso has fully recovered from his in-flight scare and is ready to help his team achieve their goal of World Cup qualification. The road ahead is challenging, but with talented players like Enciso in their ranks, Paraguay has every reason to believe they can make it back to the world stage.
