Wales football star's brother quits at 22 in crushing news after diagnosis

Keelan Williams, brother of Wales international Neco Williams, retires from football at 22 after heart condition diagnosis requiring multiple surgeries.

Keelan Williams, a defender who came through Liverpool and Burnley academies and captained Wales youth, has retired from football at age 22 due to a serious heart condition. Since early 2025, he has undergone two open-heart surgeries and two pacemaker implant operations. His heart has weakened and developed heart failure, with symptoms making it impossible to continue playing. Williams, who most recently played for Denbigh Town, said the decision to walk away from the sport "kills him" after 17 years in the game.