Playing at the ‘World Cup’ with my transplanted kidney

British footballer and teacher Johnny Byamungu was born with Prune Belly syndrome, a condition so rare and severe that doctors told his parents he would not live past five years old. While it shaped much of his life, something else played a bigger role: football. Playing professionally was his dream, and Johnny progressed to the semi-professional level in the National League South. Although he was talented, Johnny also struggled. The physical demands of playing football were greater for him than for his teammates

At 16, his kidneys began failing and he urgently needed a transplant as his health declined rapidly. With no suitable matches among family and friends, Johnny found a lifeline when he and his mother joined a scheme where families in the same situation donate organs to each other. In December 2021, Johnny had a life-saving kidney transplant.

Shortly after his operation, Johnny got another shot at his football dreams when his doctor introduced him to transplant football – a version of the sport played by athletes who have undergone major organ transplants. Johnny seized the opportunity. Before long, he was called up to represent England at the Transplant Football World Cup in 2024. A year later, he helped his team win the Transplant European Football Championship.

Presenter: Asya Fouks
Producer: Tommy Dixon

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(Photo: Johnny is in a white football shirt with a blue medal ribbon around his neck. He is stood on a football pitch and holding a silver trophy with both hands Credit: Sharon Gordon Roberts)