ITV World Cup pundit flew home after mum was killed by a truck | Football | Sport

ITV’s World Cup coverage has featured a host of familiar faces this summer, with the likes of Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright providing their trademark forthright analysis throughout the tournament in North America. But one pundit missing from the broadcaster’s line-up is former Denmark international Nadia Nadim.

The ex-Manchester City forward, who won 108 caps for her country, was part of ITV’s punditry team at Euro 2020 and returned for the World Cup 2022 in Qatar after impressing viewers with her insight. The 38-year-old was chosen to make her tournament debut during Denmark’s opening group-stage clash with Tunisia.

In an emotional tribute on Instagram, Nadim wrote: “Tuesday morning my Mother was killed by a truck. She was on her way back from the gym. Words cannot describe what I’m feeling. I have lost the most important person in my life and it happened so sudden and unexpected.

“She was only 57. She was a warrior who had fought for every inch of her life. She didn’t give me life once but twice, and everything I / we are, is because of her. I have lost my home, and I know nothing’s gonna ever feel the same. Life is unfair and I don’t understand why her and why this way. I love you and I will see you again.”

She added: “Her funeral is [going to] be soon, (more information to follow). Please come and show her the love, respect and prayers she deserves.”

A spokesperson for ITV said: “Everyone at ITV, those working with Nadia in Qatar, and the wider company, is deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic news. We have offered Nadia our support and our thoughts are with her and those closest to her at this incredibly difficult time.”

The heartbreaking loss was not the first tragedy Nadim has endured. She was born in Afghanistan before fleeing the country as a child after her father – an Afghan Army general – was executed by the Taliban. Nadim, her mother and four sisters eventually settled in Denmark as refugees, where she first discovered football.

Away from the pitch, Nadim has also pursued an impressive academic career. She studied medicine remotely at Aarhus University and has previously spoken of her ambition to become a surgeon once she hangs up her boots. The multilingual star can also speak an astonishing 11 languages: Danish, English, Spanish, French, German, Persian, Dari, Urdu, Hindi, Arabic and Latin.

Nadim has not featured as a pundit during this summer’s World Cup, instead opting to concentrate on her playing career with Danish side HB Koge. Her decision may have also been influenced by Denmark’s men’s national team, who failed to qualify for this year’s tournament.