Ex-Chelsea star reveals he played European final with facial paralysis

Michael Duberry has revealed he played the 1998 Cup Winners’ Cup final with part of his face paralysed after being diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy two weeks before the match. The centre-back started and completed the full 90 minutes as Chelsea beat Stuttgart 1-0 in Stockholm.

On the SACKED! podcast Duberry described the shock of the diagnosis, saying it felt like a “mini stroke” and left him unable to move one side of his face. He recalled checking his reflection, phoning his physio and then seeing the club doctor, who confirmed the condition.

Duberry persuaded manager Gianluca Vialli he was fit to start and concentrated on not being the weak link in the team. Gianfranco Zola’s winning goal sealed the victory and Duberry said the celebrations — and the picture of them — now symbolise “resilience” for him, calling the achievement one of the biggest hurdles he ever overcame.

Sweden, Stockholm

michael duberry, bell's palsy, facial paralysis, 1998 final, chelsea, stuttgart, stockholm, gianluca vialli, gianfranco zola, sacked podcast