Victor Boniface Opens Up on Depression and Setbacks

Victor Boniface, a striker for Bayer Leverkusen, has candidly shared his battle with depression stemming from significant career setbacks. His struggles began with repeated injuries that halted his momentum, including a groin injury in early 2024 that required surgery and ruled him out of the Africa Cup of Nations later that year.

He also suffered a thigh injury during international duty, and knee issues in 2026 necessitated further surgery, affecting his confidence and rhythm on the pitch. Boniface survived a serious car accident in October 2024, just hours after scoring a winning goal for Leverkusen, although he escaped with minor injuries.

His career ambitions faced additional disruption when a proposed transfer to AC Milan collapsed in August 2025 due to concerns raised during medical tests regarding his knee. A potential loan move to Werder Bremen is expected to provide him with a fresh start, as he continues to struggle to score in his first eleven Bundesliga matches.