Olaf Bodden

Olaf Bodden (Born 4 may 1968 Kalkar, West Germany) is a former German soccer player who developed Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), which forced him to retire from soccer.

In 2021, Bodden's ME/CFS was severe, and a fundraising soccer match was held for him.

Professional career
Bodden played from 1989 - 1998 in the German professional association football league, Bundesliga. He played on the following teams:
 * 1989 - 1991 Bororussia Mönschengladbach
 * 1991 - 1994 Hansa Rostock
 * 1994 - 1998 TSV 1860 München

While playing with the German sports club, TSV 1860 Munich, he scored 25 goals in 67 matches and is presently the record goal scorer of Hansa Rostock in the Bundesliga.

Illness
In 1996, he had to take a few moths off playing because he fell ill with glandular fever. At the end of 1997 he had to quit his career as a professional soccer player. He was diagnosed with ME/CFS and remains ill.

Advocacy
Der müde stürmer is a documentary that aired in 2000. The documentary made by Tom Theunissen features Olaf Boddens struggle with ME.

In 2009, he occasionally appeared as Trainer of the Traditionsmannschaft of TSV 1860.

Media coverage on ME/CFS
Bodden discusses being ill for 20 years and is in a wheelchair. A charity fundraiser is held for Bodden, who attends on a hospital bed.
 * 2016, Bodden hat Wohnung seit 18 Monaten nicht verlassen (German)
 * 2021, Benefizspiel für den schwer kranken Olaf Bodden (in German)

Online presence

 * Transfermarkt - professional statistics

Learn more

 * Wikipedia