Martyn Jackson Wins Transplant World Cup with New Heart
Two years after a life-saving heart transplant, Martyn Jackson scored in the final for England.
Key points
- Martyn Jackson scored in England's 5-1 win over Spain in the 2026 Transplant World Cup final.
- He received a donor heart in November 2024 after a severe case of myocarditis.
- Jackson plays ten-minute bursts to manage his heart condition, unlike his kidney transplant teammates.
Martyn Jackson scored for England in the 2026 Transplant Football World Cup final. He won the match 5-1 against Spain in September. This victory came less than two years after he received a donor heart.
The moment landed with quiet weight. He had walked off the pitch in October 2024, unaware that his days were numbered. Now, the grass felt different under his boots. The air tasted of victory.
A sudden medical crisis
Days after a routine match, Jackson felt unwell at night. Doctors diagnosed myocarditis, a severe inflammation of the heart muscle. His condition deteriorated rapidly, forcing medical teams to act immediately.
He was placed on a super urgent waiting list. On 28 November 2024, surgeons at Wythenshawe Hospital implanted a donor heart. The procedure saved his life. It also stripped away his future as a footballer, at least in his mind.
Rebuilding a career from scratch
Jackson’s wife, Lucy, found the England Transplant FC team online. She wanted to motivate him during recovery. Manager Daley Cross noted Jackson’s youth academy history at Manchester United. The club recognized his potential instantly.
He joined the national squad in January 2026. His role was specific due to his cardiac status. He played in ten-minute bursts rather than full matches. This approach protected his new heart while allowing him to contribute.
Playing for the transplant community
The Transplant World Cup rules differ from standard football. Matches are seven-a-side with twenty-minute halves. Contact is softer, reflecting the delicate state of players’ bodies. Everyone on the pitch is an organ recipient.
Jackson credits his donor for this second chance. He views his participation as a message to the world. Organ failure does not end a life. It can begin a new chapter, filled with purpose and play.
