Footballer in mass train attack reveals he was stabbed seven times

'Running for my life'

"I was on the train, just relaxing when suddenly, I was stabbed from behind," recounts footballer Jonathan Gjoshe, as he reflects on the traumatic events of November 1, 2024.

In just his first season with Scunthorpe United, the 23-year-old was traveling from Doncaster to his home in London. Approximately an hour into the journey, a shocking incident occurred.

Gjoshe was one of eleven passengers who sustained serious injuries during a knife attack on a train traversing Cambridgeshire. As details of his injuries made headlines globally, the defender opted to limit media interactions, concentrating instead on his extensive recovery.

Now, six months later, he feels prepared to publicly discuss his experiences for the first time and share his aspirations of finding a new club.

"I got stabbed in the shoulder first," he explains to BBC Sport. "I remember leaping over the table and chairs, running down the corridor, yelling, 'there's a guy with a knife, run, I've been stabbed, run, run, run.' I was screaming. I think I was the first person attacked. I felt the pain immediately, but adrenaline kicked in."

"It was that split second of jumping over the table that may have saved my life. All I could think of was escaping that train. As I reached the first or second carriage, I pulled the emergency alarm, completely soaked in blood."

"While escaping, I worried I might never see my family again if I died; that was my primary concern," he recalls. "Normally, I would drive back to London, but this was my first time taking the train. What were the odds of something like this happening? It's surreal."

The train made an emergency stop at Huntingdon, where armed police were ready to respond. After receiving first aid from a fellow passenger, Gjoshe managed to exit to the station parking lot, where paramedics immediately transported him to the hospital.

It was only post-surgery that he discovered he had suffered seven stab wounds across his bicep, shoulder, and arm. Medics informed him that the knife had "traversed my muscles," narrowly missing a nerve in his arm.

When asked if he feared for the future of his football career, he admits, "I was extremely concerned, wondering, 'what damage has occurred?' I remained unaware until after the surgery. Fortunately, the doctors indicated it was close to the nerve, but I was very lucky."

In the following days, Gjoshe experienced a wave of media attention, leading to his relocation between hospital wards.

After his release, Gjoshe faced several months of rehabilitation, returning to full training in March. He describes this milestone as "a significant relief. I started to regain movement in my arm, and each day it improved. It was an incredible feeling."

Despite showing immense strength in coping with the aftermath of the attack, Gjoshe has not set foot on a train since that traumatic day.

"I wouldn't feel comfortable now. You never know what could happen. It's better to be cautious. I'm struggling to trust anything at this point," he shares.

'I didn't get the chance that I wanted'

Having spent years competing in lower-league football within London, Gjoshe's breakthrough came last September. After being awarded the Young Player of the Year title by Corinthian Casuals, he joined Scunthorpe on non-contract terms, impressing manager Andy Butler during pre-season training.

Having advanced four tiers in the football hierarchy, he made his first-team debut against Leeds United's under-21s in the National League Cup that same month, followed by a match against Middlesbrough in the same competition.

He was additionally granted dual-registration to gain experience, playing briefly for local lower-league team Bottesford Town just hours before boarding the LNER train headed to London.

"The Scunthorpe fan community initiated a 'GoFund Me' campaign that raised £4,500, which provided significant support during this time. I deeply appreciated their backing, as well as the club's solidarity," he shares.

However, just days before his interview with BBC Sport, Gjoshe learned he would not be retained by Scunthorpe along with several other players. On May 8, the club shared a message on Instagram thanking him and wishing him "the best of luck for the future."

"Given everything I've endured, I've missed half a season... I didn't receive the opportunity I had hoped for," he laments. "I was optimistic they would allow me another year to demonstrate my abilities, but unfortunately, that was not the case. It's quite disappointing."

Now describing himself as "fully healed and prepared for any forthcoming challenges," Gjoshe states, "I am focused on maintaining my fitness and hoping a new club will offer me that opportunity."

'I'm proud of him'

Gjoshe shares his journey at a five-a-side football center in south-west London, where he honed his skills as a teenager under the guidance of his former coach Nigel James, who leads training sessions at the facility. James, father to England internationals Reece and Lauren, believes Gjoshe possesses the talent and resilience to restart his career, despite the recent setback.

"Unfortunately, this is the nature of football and, by extension, life," comments James. "Jonathan has become like family to us. I am extremely proud of his progress through these challenges. I am confident that more opportunities will arise because I truly believe in his abilities. He is a remarkable player and an admirable individual. Ultimately, it hinges on a club presenting him with a chance, and him seizing it."

'It's made me push every day'

Last month, 32-year-old Anthony Williams was charged with ten counts of attempted murder relating to the events of November 1, with his trial scheduled for October.

In the meantime, Gjoshe remains resolute in his commitment to positivity, refusing to dwell on the misfortune that has interrupted his football journey.

"Listen, what has happened is part of life; thankfully, I'm still alive," he remarks when asked about maintaining his optimistic outlook. "[You] cannot dwell on the past; you have to move forward. My sole focus was returning to football, and I remain hopeful for that chance. Life is fleeting. Anything can happen, so you must make the most of it. This experience has driven me to push myself every day."