The 35 year old midfielder suffered heart complications just six minutes into a League Two match against Grimsby Town on May 2nd, 2025.

Despite experiencing significant pain, he remarkably played the full game and scored the winning goal, securing a play-off spot for his team.

Following the match, medical tests confirmed the heart attack, revealing a 75% blockage in a branch of an artery.

Hutchinson underwent successful surgery to insert a stent and is now recovering with plans to return to football.

He described the emotional toll of the diagnosis, stating he “broke down” upon hearing the news, as playing football is his passion.

The support from fans and the football community has been overwhelming, which he has publicly acknowledged with gratitude.

Sam Hutchinson has bravely chosen to tell his story after experiencing heart complications and undergoing surgery recently.

Sam has also taken this opportunity to thank everyone for their unwavering support.

We’re all with you Hutch. ❤️ #AFCW 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/BpZe7Ten05

— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) May 20, 2025

To learn CPR in just 15 minutes, please access the British Heart Foundation website. ⤵️#AFCW 🟡🔵https://t.co/tCLjMKthNo

— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) May 20, 2025

I was experiencing a lot of pain – I look back and my missus has said I didn’t look right when I was doing the interview after the game. I got on the coach after the game, the adrenaline wore off and I started having more pains in my chest. From there we made a pit stop in Nottingham.

We went into the hospital and they essentially told me I’d had a heart attack. I was in there for five days having tests done. A branch of an artery was blocked 75% – I had an angiogram and had a stent put in by a specialist in London who was unbelievable. I’m on the road to recovery now.

I broke down when they told me in the hospital because playing football is all I ever want to do. I didn’t care that I had a heart attack, I’m not really like that. It happened in the sixth minute of the game, I carried on and played the full 90. The specialist in London has told me there’s no problem with playing football again, so I’m happy. Obviously the whole incident wasn’t nice for my family but for me personally I just see it as another injury, it’s another hurdle for me to overcome.

I ran yesterday believe it or not, a lot of people say things slow down but I feel really good, I’m going to crack on and come back bigger and stronger. I didn’t have a pre-season this season but now I’ll have one this time around, I can’t wait for it.

I always saw the adverts for learning CPR and looked into it. My father-in-law used to do first aid and he’s a big advocate for it. I think it’s a must-have, especially when you have children. It helps people. A lot of people run into trouble at games and are then saved by other members of the public who know this important skill. If you can save a life that’s a fantastic thing.

Now it’s all about the team and doing the business on Monday. I’m absolutely devastated that I can’t play the final but hopefully we get it over the line and do what everyone wants us to do.

I’m here to support the boys. I’m experienced, I’ve been there before. Anything I can help with, even if it’s just a smile of reassurance, I’ll be there.

Playing 20 odd games here, having a flag made for me, to receive the response I’ve had from everyone here at AFC Wimbledon has been simply unbelievable. I’ve also had messages from the other clubs I’ve played for, friends and family and managers I’ve not spoken to in 10 years – I can’t speak highly enough of everyone. Thank you very much.

: What a man. 💙

: ‘Didn’t care I had a heart attack I just wanted to play football’🤣 What a lad and the ending looks like he wanted an extension 👀

: Always welcome back at Hillsborough! What a guy 🦉

: So pleased to see him looking well and no surprise he wants to play. His experience alone in the changing room will be massive for us. Top person and hope he stays next season.

: Brilliant news that he’s got his mind set on playing still. Have you heard of @Tango1867 initiative to put a defibrillator in the corner of every football ground? Maybe something you can work together on.?

: Bravest footballer I ever had the privilege to watch at Wednesday. Almost too brave for his own good sometimes! Make a full speedy recovery Sammy you legend.

: Sam is a huge inspiration, glad to see he’s looking so well. Only one player could have a heart attack, stay on and score the winner. Hopefully the lads win the final for him.

: Oh Sammy Sammy! Hard to like a guy more than Sam Hutchinson. More set backs and hurdles than anyone in football. Would run through a brick wall for his team and badge. What a bloody brilliant bloody human he is. #wawaw

: This story hits home for a number of reasons: Sam is 2 months older than me. I was there at the game as a Grimsby fan. All the best with your recovery, Sam. I hope you get promoted! 💪

: Sammy Sammy. A true warrior & a genuinely good guy.Wont here a Sheffield Wednesday fan say a bad word against him.Speedy recovery & good luck in the play offs guys

: Fantastic interview. Can we bring him on at 3-0 up in the 89th minute, please 🙂 💛💙

: I love this bloke! All he wants to do is play football. He puts his body on the line literally! for whatever shirt he has on his back. Best wishes and good luck, Wimbledon

: what an unreal bloke, nothing more sam hutchinson than having a heart attack and playing on 😂

: Fans of other clubs told us we would love him and we do. Well done Hutch. Get back fitter and stronger and see you next season hopefully in league one

: The amount of setbacks Sam has had throughout his career and the amount of times he’s just got himself back up again and carried on is unbelievable. Not many stronger people in football. Top lad, looking forward to seeing him again next season back on the pitch. WAWAW

: This is genuinely one of the maddest things I’ve ever seen. He had a heart attack after 4 minutes, played on for another 94 and scored the winner to get them to the playoffs. Do you realise how fucking mental that is? 😂

: “I didn’t care that I’d had a heart attack; I’m not precious like that” is the most Hutch line ever. So glad he’s well 💙

: Plays through a heart attack to get the wombles in to the playoffs. What a man

@kevin07121967: What a top lad, he is everything that this club is about. A speedy recovery and look forward to see him in yellow and blue next season

@Jacob97106277: Absolute warrior. Lives long in my memory when he got hit square in the face with a ball and immediately jumped back up😂 One of the nicest blokes about 🦉

What a guy… as a @swfc fan but a 6 year old son that is OBSESSED with with @AFCWimbledon there’s a real connection… he’s had an incredible career and all the best to him… he’s at the best club in my opinion. I love that my boy loves @AFCWimbledon . His club is now my club. pic.twitter.com/Q4yN3Oabhp

— Michael Collins (@mikecollins1984) May 20, 2025

Hoping for a speedy recovery Hutch 💙
Biggest warrior out there pic.twitter.com/TIeSTzWUsN

— elhow (@elhow5) May 20, 2025