Ex-Bolton Wanderers star reveals devastating health update | OneFootball

A former Bolton Wanderers star has revealed another update on his health, which is a devastating one as his condition worsens...

Bolton Wanderers were last a Premier League club in the 2011/12 season, when they were relegated under Owen Coyle - however, they had some iconic players during that era of the club, too.

From the Premier League's inception in 1992, Bolton Wanderers have played 13 seasons in total at that level. Their longest and most recent top-flight spell came between 2001 and 2012, lasting 11 consecutive seasons in English football's top flight.

This period marked the club’s peak in the modern era, including multiple top-half finishes and even qualification for the UEFA Cup/Europa League. Since relegation in 2012, Bolton have not returned to the Premier League, experiencing financial issues and spells as low as League Two.

In that period of Sam Allardyce, Coyle, and others managing the club, Bolton had several iconic players who defined the 'Barclays' era. Youri Djorkaeff, Jay-Jay Okocha, Kevin Nolan, and Nicolas Anelka were among them in the early years back in the Premier League.

However, players like Kevin Davies embodied the club’s physical style, captaining the side with leadership while showcasing his aerial dominance. Jussi Jaaskelainen was a consistently outstanding goalkeeper, known for his reflex saves and also his sheer longevity.

Gary Cahill emerged as a top centre-back before earning a move to Chelsea. Johan Elmander scored some iconic goals, too, but their top scorer in their relegation season was Ivan Klasnic.

Owen Coyle favourite Ivan Klasnic's health problems since leaving Bolton Wanderers

Before joining Bolton, Klasnic built his reputation at Werder Bremen, where he was a prolific striker in the early 2000s. Forming a deadly partnership with Ailton, Klasnic helped Bremen win the Bundesliga title in 2003/04. His intelligent movement made him one of the league’s most effective forwards during that period.

Klasnic joined Bolton initially on loan in 2008 before making the move permanent. While he never quite matched his Bremen scoring heights, he proved to be a reliable and gifted forward. Despite never breaking into double figures, he contributed with important goals across several seasons.

Often used in rotation, he nothced nine in their 2011/12 campaign and was part of Bolton’s relegation from the Premier League. That said, Klasnic remained well regarded by supporters for his professionalism and knack for scoring in key moments.

After retiring, Klasnic has continued to deal with serious health challenges, having undergone multiple kidney transplants during and after his playing career. His long-term battle with kidney disease has required ongoing treatment, and it saw him retire at the age of 33.

Klasnic's transplanted kidney failed and he was deemed critically ill back in 2016, with the striker receiving a third transplant in October 2017. in fact, he revealed in October 2025 that he could die at any time after painkillers prescribed by a former club ruined his health.

He had to embark on a 12-year legal battle against Werder Bremen, who prescribed painkillers that worsened his renal disease. Speaking about his health, he told a German TV documentary that, despite being very 'grateful' to still be alive, he is unaware of how long he has left to live. "Who knows how much longer I have left to live.

"I have to be grateful that I am still alive, even though I am ill and need to take tablets. Of course, I am furious. I would not want anybody to have to endure what I have been through. No matter how much money I have received in compensation, it won't bring my health back.

"It is difficult to get by without any painkillers if you want to produce a performance on the field. I don't think you can play any form of professional sport without using pain-relief drugs. But had I known that I had kidney problems, I would not have taken those medicines."

Now, in April 2026, it emerged that Klasnic had recently spent time in hospital with a virus after experiencing a fever. Per The Sun, Klasnic's turn for the worse was taken extremely seriously given his previous health issues and underlying kidney problems.

Bolton fans will surely have even more respect for Ivan Klasnic now

Bolton fans are likely to view Klasnic’s time at the club with even greater admiration in hindsight. Knowing the severity of the kidney issues he was battling and the persistent need for painkillers as well.

Having already undergone transplants before arriving in England, it adds profound context to his performances. Supporters remember a player who quietly delivered goals and showed glimpses of the talent who notched 19 in three consecutive campaigns with Bremen, but now also see remarkable courage and resilience behind those contributions.

In an era that ended with relegation, Klasnic simply has to stand out as a figure of professionalism and sheer determination, earning lasting respect for overcoming personal adversity while continuing to compete at the highest level and end the year as the club's top scorer.