Serie A star nearly drowns due to inability to swim.

Cagliari striker Yael Trepy, aged 20, was transported via helicopter to a medical facility and is now receiving intensive care after fainting in a swimming pool at a villa in Sardinia.

Young Cagliari forward Yael Trepy remains in intensive care following a critical accident at a pool in a Sardinian villa in Italy.

Italian media report that the 20-year-old French footballer was helicoptered to the hospital after almost drowning on a day off from Cagliari.

The accident occurred on Sunday afternoon, one day after Trepy featured for Cagliari in the Coppa Italia. Per Unione Sarda, the young forward fainted while in a pool at a villa in Costa Smeralda, a renowned upscale holiday destination in Sardinia.

Reports indicate Trepy was airlifted to the hospital and underwent multiple tests. Luckily, early examinations revealed no major issues. However, Cagliari confirmed that Trepy remains in the intensive care unit. "Cagliari announces that player Yael Trepy is currently receiving treatment at the Santissima Annunziata Civil Hospital in Sassari, where he is under intensive care," the club stated.

The Serie A side further stated that it is continuously in touch with the hospital and Trepy's family to stay updated on his status. "Cagliari Calcio is keeping frequent contact with the healthcare institution and the player's relatives, while closely watching his health developments. At this moment, the entire Cagliari Calcio is thinking of Yael and his family. The club also asks for full respect of the family's privacy and will release further information as it becomes available," the Sardinian club declared.

Per La Repubblica, Trepy reportedly cannot swim and slipped into the deep section of the pool at the villa. This detail emerged as the young footballer was spending his rest day with colleagues following the Coppa Italia game.

The event happened only one day after Trepy started in Cagliari's 1-0 victory against Arezzo in the Coppa Italia. The French forward played 54 minutes before being replaced. Following the win, the Cagliari squad was granted a two-day break and will resume training today, Monday, August 17. Cagliari's upcoming Serie A campaign kicks off next Saturday against Parma.

Trepy came through the ranks of Cagliari's youth academy. He entered the club's academy in 2022 and steadily progressed to the senior squad. In the previous season, Trepy debuted in Serie A and netted one goal in eight outings. Although just 20 years old, he has been entrusted by Cagliari's coaching team to compete at the top tier of Italian football.

In 2025, Trepy was instrumental in Cagliari's triumph in the Italian youth competition. He found the net in the final versus AC Milan, contributing to the Sardinian side's victory in a tournament akin to the English FA Youth Cup.

Trepy is regarded as one of Cagliari's brightest young prospects. The fact that he was hospitalized in intensive care following a non-football accident has deeply worried both the club and its supporters.

Cagliari ended the previous Serie A campaign in 14th position. The club is gearing up for the new season, yet Trepy's sudden incident has overshadowed their preparations.