The name Fabrice Muamba, in football terms, did not mean as much as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Frank Lampard until last week.

But the name of the Bolton midfielder who collapsed during the FA Cup match against Tottenham at White Hart Lane last Saturday will be remembered by football fans who collectively held their breath and prayed for his life to be spared. Fans who had never heard of him ended up checking websites regularly to find out whether he had recovered, and were happy to see that the worst now seems to have been overcome.

The incident such as the one experienced last Saturday is one that is hard to forget. When an athlete who, in the eyes of many, is a symbol of health and a healthy lifestyle, collapses on a field of play with what later turned out to be a serious heart problem, the effect is bound to last.

It was immediately realised that what had happened to Muamba was not an incident of play. The cameras immediately focused elsewhere, respecting the privacy of the moment – it is ironic to say this, considering that the game was being shown live on TV, but it was the right thing to do not to show close-ups of the resuscitation exercise on the field of play.

But shots of fans with tears in their eyes made it clear that it was a difficult moment. Those present immediately understood that it had not been a tackle that brought Muamba down.

Thankfully, the fact that it all took place when medics and first aid were within reach helped to save Muamba’s life. It later became known that his heart had stopped beating for 78 minutes and that it was only thanks to the interventions of the medical team – first in the stadium and then in hospital – that his life had been spared.

When one considers that players undergo so many rigorous fitness tests before they are allowed to play on a professional basis, it is difficult to understand how incidents such as those that happened to Muamba actually take place. And thoughts go to many other footballers who play at inferior level, and who might not have doctors readily available if something happens to them.

News coming from the London hospital where Muamba is being treated is positive. The player has communicated with the medical staff and his family and friends, and it appears that he is on the road towards a full recovery.

Whether he will be able to play again is another matter. But Muamba has already won his biggest game.