“Life Is Very Fragile”: Former Manchester United Star Helps Save Man from Suicide

05.08.2025

In a powerful reminder of the value of every human life, former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia shared that he recently intervened when he saw a young man about to take his own life from a bridge in Ecuador.

Posting on Instagram, Valencia described the incident as “far from pleasant,” saying he noticed the man standing on the edge of a bridge and immediately got out of his vehicle to speak to him. While he humbly said, “I didn’t save him,” Valencia explained that he approached the man and offered words of support—grateful that the young man recognised him.

“Thank God he recognized me, and I tried to give him some words of encouragement. It was very hard,” he wrote.

The situation turned when the man’s family arrived, and he ultimately stepped back from the edge. “Thank God his family arrived, and he decided not to take his own life,” Valencia said.

In his moving reflection, the retired footballer urged followers to be attentive to mental health and emotional well-being:
“Let’s take care of ourselves, please. Our minds, our hearts, mental health is very important. Let’s take care of all of this, please. Life is very fragile.” (via @antoniovalencia2525 on Instagram)

Valencia’s actions and words serve as a powerful witness to the importance of human dignity, community, and timely compassion. It also reminds us that intervention, even a simple conversation, can be life-saving.