Bolton Wanderers star Fabrice Muamba defied the odds when he survived despite having 'died' for almost 80 minutes when his heart stopped during an FA Cup Quarter Final clash with Tottenham last March.
But doctors and fans alike have been staggered by his incredible recovery since then. Here is a timeline of the star's brave return to health:
March 17 2012: Millions of football fans are shocked when Bolton star Muamba collapses 41 minutes into the match at White Hart Lane. Doctors finally get his heart beating after 78 minutes and 15 shocks with a defibrilator.
March 30 2012: A picture of a smiling Fabrice is Tweeted from his hospital bed reassuring fans that he is well on the road to recovery.
Incredible: Fabrice Muamba appears on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas edition months after his cardiac arrest
April 16 2012: He is released from the London Chest Hospital less than a month after his collapse.
May 1 2012: Muamba takes to the pitch at the Reebok Stadium to thank Bolton and Spurs fans for their support.
May 24 2012: The footballer Tweets that he is already back in the gym and well on the road to recovery.
July 21 2012: The brave footballer carries the Olympic torch through Tower Hamlets in London.
August 15 2012: Fabrice Muamba is forced to retire from football following his devastating heart attack.
October 20 2012: Fabrice and Shauna marry in Cheshire just seven months after the groom's cardiac arrest.
November 8 2012: Tottenham fans give Muamba a heartfelt reception as he returns to the ground for the first time since his collapse during a Europa League tie.
December 25 2012: Muamba's amazing recovery is apparent as he takes part in a Strictly Come Dancing special which airs on Christmas Day.
January 23 2013: News emerges that Fabrice's wife Shauna is expecting a second child due in June.
Overjoyed: Former Bolton star Fabrice Muamba and wife Shauna are delighted that she is expecting the couple's second child in June. The news of her pregnancy comes less than an year after he 'died' for 78 minutes after collapsing in an FA Cup tie
