Liverpool icon John Toshack diagnosed with dementia as son shares health update

Liverpool and Wales legend John Toshack, who won countless trophies with the Reds, has been diagnosed with dementia, his son Cameron has confirmed in an emotional health update

John Toshack has been diagnosed with dementia(Image: Getty Images)

Welsh soccer icon John Toshack has been diagnosed with dementia, his son Cameron has confirmed.

Cameron, currently working as the assistant manager at Buriram United in Thailand, revealed his father — who played for Liverpool and coached Real Madrid — experiences "good days and bad days." However, he noted that the legendary figure can still recall complete team sheets from matches he played in decades earlier, providing an update on his condition.

"It's a terrible disease," Cameron told the Daily Mail. "It's the short-term memory where we're seeing it – I speak to him most days, and if we chat in the afternoon, he might not remember that we also spoke in the morning.

"But if I ask him about the Liverpool days, or Sociedad or Madrid, the detail is amazing. The other day, he was telling me about a Real Madrid game against Arrigo Sacchi's AC Milan and exactly how he tweaked his midfield to deal with Marco van Basten.

"The game could have been yesterday, his memory was so clear.

"I'll talk to him about what we're doing in Thailand, and he still gives great advice. As a manager, he could always see two or three moves ahead, and it was always in the genes for me, really."

John Toshack, seen here coaching Swansea, is a legendary figure in European soccer(Image: Getty Images)

Toshack enjoyed a distinguished playing career, joining Liverpool in 1970 from Cardiff. During his time at Anfield, he secured nine major honors — including three First Division championships and a European Cup triumph.

He subsequently joined Swansea in a player-manager capacity, steering the club to three promotions across four seasons.

This remarkable feat of taking them from the Fourth Division to the First Division prompted former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly to hail Toshack as the "manager of the century."

Following his departure from Swansea, one of British soccer's most varied managerial journeys unfolded. During his time in management, he took charge of several of Europe's leading clubs — among them Sporting Lisbon, Real Sociedad, Real Madrid, Deportivo La Coruna, Besiktas and Saint-Etienne. At Madrid, he secured the La Liga title in 1990.

He also enjoyed two stints as Wales boss. Initially on a brief part-time basis in 1994, then again from 2004 to 2010 — helping nurture talents including Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen during that latter period.

The 77-year-old has encountered health difficulties in recent times after being rushed into intensive care in 2022 while battling pneumonia stemming from Covid complications.

Last year, he was recognized in a rare public outing, being presented with the Diamond and Gold badge — the most prestigious accolade the La Liga club can bestow — by his former club Real Sociedad.

The emotional occasion took place ahead of a fixture against another of his previous clubs, Real Madrid. The Welshman was given a standing ovation, with then Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso — who featured under Toshack at Sociedad — paying tribute.