Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Belal Halbouni announced Friday that he has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. In a statement posted on Instagram, the 26-year-old — who has missed the entire 2026 season due to a…
Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Belal Halbouni announced on Friday that he has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. The 26-year-old will step away from soccer to undergo treatment, which began last week in his hometown of London, Ontario. Halbouni stated on social media that he aims to overcome the illness and eventually resume his playing career.
In response, Vancouver pledged full support and signed the Syrian international to a contract extension through the 2027/28 Major League Soccer season. Halbouni has made 29 appearances for the club since joining in February 2024, but he missed the entire 2026 campaign following meniscus surgery.
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