**Dominic Calvert-Lewin Reflects on the Emotional Toll of his Everton Ordeal**
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has given a raw and candid account of his emotional struggles during a tumultuous period with the club, revealing just how much the pressure and relentless injuries took their toll. During a difficult run in the 2021/22 season, Calvert-Lewin described a heartbreaking moment spent sobbing alone on his bedroom floor—a low point that he now recognises as having felt like hitting “rock bottom”.
The 28-year-old forward, now a seasoned Everton veteran, has spoken in detail about both the physical pain of recurring injuries and the intense psychological burden that accompanied them. His revelations offer a rare glimpse into the mental challenges faced by elite athletes, often invisible to fans and commentators focusing solely on performances on the pitch.
A strong start to the 2021/22 campaign saw Calvert-Lewin on the scoresheet in Everton’s opening three Premier League matches, earning him a spot in the England squad. Yet, this success masked deeper issues, as the striker continued to play despite a broken toe. The injury problems persisted and soon escalated, with a series of quadriceps issues forcing him to withdraw from international duty and endure a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
In a revealing appearance on the High Performance Podcast, Calvert-Lewin recounted the emotional intensity of that period. He recalled feeling overwhelmed and isolated, especially around his birthday, just weeks before scoring the unforgettable goal that effectively secured Everton’s place in the Premier League. “There was so much emotion built up, and on my birthday, I was on my own, crying on the bedroom floor,” he said. The pressure of feeling responsible not only for the team’s survival but for the livelihoods tied to the club, weighed heavily on his shoulders.
Despite being haunted by injuries, Calvert-Lewin made crucial contributions to Everton’s survival bid. Notably, he set up a dramatic late winner against Newcastle United and scored a vital opener versus Brentford. However, his diving header against Crystal Palace in the penultimate match stands out as the pivotal moment; it sparked jubilant celebrations and provided a massive relief to both the player and supporters.
Reflecting on the importance of that goal, Calvert-Lewin described the release of tension it brought: “The feeling was indescribable. The weight of the club and that pressure… I put it all on myself. Saving Everton felt like saving jobs and futures.” This emotional burden, while unique in its detail, resonates with the wider theme of mental health struggles in football—an issue increasingly acknowledged but still under-discussed.
After the season closed, Calvert-Lewin took to social media to share his journey, writing about how opening up had changed, if not saved, his life. He later explained that the attention his openness attracted brought an additional layer of scrutiny, and reflected on the difficulty of being thrust into the spotlight for reasons unrelated to football. “We all have problems—that’s what I wanted people to understand,” he noted.
The striker’s resilience became evident in subsequent seasons as well. Despite further setbacks and periods of absence, Calvert-Lewin returned to deliver vital performances. A crucial penalty against Leicester City and another goal-saving display during a Merseyside derby helped Everton stave off relegation scares anew. Yet, the disruption caused by injuries has continued to cast doubt over his long-term future, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the month.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s story is emblematic of the unseen battles faced by professional athletes at the very top. His willingness to speak about vulnerability, pressure, and the importance of mental health support is a reminder that behind the goals and matchday headlines, footballers are people first. As talks about his future continue, fans and the wider football community will no doubt be watching closely—not just for his next goal, but for what comes next in his journey.