Former Wales and Liverpool great John Toshack has been diagnosed with dementia. The 78‑year‑old previously spent two weeks on a ventilator in Barcelona after battling Covid‑19 and pneumonia, describing the ordeal in November 2022 as “frightening.” Despite the diagnosis, his son and former assistant Cameron says Toshack still offers coaching tips from Thailand, proving the veteran’s mind remains sharp.

His playing career launched at hometown club Cardiff City before a 1970 transfer to Liverpool, where he formed a lethal strike partnership with Kevin Keegan. Over eight seasons the duo helped the Reds capture three league titles, two UEFA Cups, an FA Cup, a European Cup, a Charity Shield and a UEFA Super Cup, cementing Toshack’s status as a club legend.

Transitioning to management, Toshack guided Swansea City from the Fourth Division to the First, adding three Welsh Cups, before stints across five continents that yielded trophies in five of eight countries, including two spells with Real Madrid. His later work with Wales nurtured talents such as Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen, ensuring his influence endures beyond the diagnosis.