By Mantasha - May 12, 2025
Former professional football player and popular pundit Chris Kamara bravely opens up about his battle with apraxia of speech in a new interview and documentary, sharing the challenges he has faced since his 2022 diagnosis. Despite stepping back from regular broadcasting duties due to the condition, Kamara remains active, continues to raise awareness, and receives widespread support from the football and entertainment community. His resilience and positive attitude resonate with fans as he navigates this new chapter in his life.
Chris Kamara via Sky News
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Beloved football pundit and former professional player Chris Kamara has once again captured the nation’s heart—not for his legendary punditry or his footballing past, but for his courageous battle with apraxia of speech. In a deeply moving new interview and accompanying documentary, Kamara opens up about the challenges he’s faced over the last few years and how he’s learning to live with the condition. Kamara, known for his infectious energy and humorous matchday reports on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, revealed his diagnosis in 2022.
Apraxia of speech, a neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to coordinate the muscle movements needed for speech, forced him to step away from regular broadcasting duties. “I felt like I was losing myself,” Kamara said in the emotional segment. “I could see the words in my mind, but getting them out was the hard part. It’s been heartbreaking at times, but I’m fighting through.” His openness has sparked widespread support across the football and entertainment world. Fellow pundits and fans alike have lauded his bravery. Jeff Stelling, Kamara’s long-time colleague and friend, described him as “an inspiration to millions.” Clubs including Leeds United, Portsmouth, and Bradford City, where Kamara played during his career, have all shown their support with heartfelt tributes and messages.
Despite the speech challenges, Kamara has remained active. He released his autobiography, Kammy, in 2022, and has continued to appear on TV in selected roles, including his popular co-hosting spot on ITV’s Ninja Warrior UK. More recently, he's been focusing on raising awareness about apraxia and supporting others facing similar conditions. In his new ITV documentary Lost for Words, Kamara invites viewers into his personal journey, highlighting both the struggles and the strength it takes to adapt to life with apraxia.
While his regular broadcasting days may be behind him, Kamara remains a much-loved public figure. His charm, positivity, and resilience continue to resonate with people far beyond football. “I’m not done yet,” Kamara says. “It’s a different chapter, but I’m still me.” Chris Kamara’s journey is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it’s possible to inspire and to keep smiling through it all.