Tony Meola Recovers from Heart Attack, Urges Health Checkups

NEW YORK, NY — Former U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Tony Meola is recovering from a heart attack suffered on his 56th birthday, Thursday evening. The soccer legend underwent a medical procedure following the incident, and reports indicate he is in good spirits and expected to make a full recovery.

Meola, who gained fame as a starting goalie for the U.S. during the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, took to social media to relay a crucial message to fans. In a statement shared by MLS reporter Tom Bogert, Meola said, “Go get frequent check-ups.” He reflected on his recent health scare, noting, “I ran four miles last Saturday to have a heart attack the following Thursday. If I get one of you to go to the doctor and get a checkup, this was all worth it for me. I’m going to be fine in a week, but I should have been smarter.”

After experiencing the heart attack, Meola was hospitalized for 24 hours and underwent a 45-minute procedure. “They tell me that in a week, I will feel better than I ever have!” he added. Having made 100 appearances for the national team and achieved multiple accolades during his playing career, Meola’s health announcement serves as both a personal update and a public health warning.

Throughout his impressive career, Meola amassed numerous accolades, including four MLS All-Star selections across an 11-season span. He played for clubs such as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, Kansas City Wizards, and New York Red Bulls. Meola was instrumental in the Wizards’ MLS Cup victory in 2000, where he earned both regular season and cup MVP honors by securing 16 clean sheets during the regular season and adding five more in the playoffs.

In addition to his club successes, Meola also won the CONCACAF Gold Cup twice with the U.S. national team in 1991 and 2002. His storied journey in soccer began in Kearny, New Jersey, where he quickly rose to national prominence.

Since retiring from professional play in 2007, Meola has transitioned into broadcasting and currently serves as an analyst for CBS Sports Golazo Network, contributing insights into the world of soccer. His experiences on and off the pitch have made him a respected voice in the sport. As he continues to recover, his focus remains on both personal health and advocating for the health of the soccer community.

As a notable figure in sports journalism, Tom Bogert added, “Just spoke with the legend Tony Meola… he’s in good spirits and doctors say he’ll be okay. He thanks everyone for the birthday wishes too.” These sentiments underscore Meola’s resilience and commitment to his health following this scare.