In a shocking incident that unfolded on the evening of Saturday, October 4, 2025, former Premier League footballer Eljero Elia narrowly escaped serious injury in a high-speed, three-car collision on the A4 motorway near Leiden, Netherlands. The crash, which occurred around 9:45 PM, left Elia’s £270,000 Lamborghini Urus in ruins, marking a dramatic and fortunate escape for the 38-year-old retired winger. The incident, which caused significant disruption on the motorway, has since drawn attention due to Elia’s prominence as a former professional athlete and the dramatic circumstances surrounding the event.
Elia, who enjoyed a brief but memorable stint with Southampton in the English Premier League in 2015, recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the crash in an interview with Dutch news outlet Omroep West. According to Elia, the accident was triggered when the vehicle directly in front of him unexpectedly came to a complete stop on the motorway. Driving his high-performance Lamborghini Urus, Elia attempted to brake but found himself unable to stop in time, causing his vehicle to skid. “The traffic in front of me suddenly stopped; I couldn’t brake in time,” he explained. “I was driving in a stretch of road that’s normally quiet around that time. Suddenly, I saw the traffic in front of me brake and come to a standstill. I tried to brake, but I skidded.”
In a split-second decision to mitigate the severity of the collision, Elia swerved to avoid a direct rear-end impact with the car in front of him. “The only thing I could do was avoid hitting the car directly behind me. I steered past it a bit, which caused me to hit it more on the side,” he said. Despite his efforts, the Lamborghini collided with the vehicle, resulting in significant damage to all three cars involved in the crash. The force of the impact left Elia’s luxury SUV, valued at approximately £270,000, in a mangled state, a testament to the severity of the collision.
The crash brought the A4 motorway to a standstill, with authorities closing the road for several hours to allow police to investigate the incident and clear debris from the scene. Emergency services and tow trucks were dispatched to remove the heavily damaged vehicles, including Elia’s Lamborghini, which was rendered inoperable. Dutch media reports indicated that at least one driver was arrested and taken to a nearby police station for questioning, though specific details regarding the arrest were not disclosed. Elia himself was seen entering a police van at the scene, though he later clarified that he had cooperated fully with authorities, providing a detailed account of the incident before being allowed to return home.
Remarkably, Elia confirmed that no one was injured in the crash, a fact he emphasized with palpable relief. “There’s only damage to the cars, that’s it,” he told Omroep West. “It could have been worse, anyway.” The retired footballer described the scene as chaotic, with all parties involved in a state of shock following the sudden and violent collision. “Everyone was shocked,” he noted, reflecting on the intensity of the moment. Elia’s ability to walk away unscathed, along with the other drivers involved, underscored the fortunate outcome of an otherwise dangerous situation.
In the aftermath of the crash, Elia took to social media to reassure fans and express gratitude for his safety. In a post on Instagram, he wrote, “Everyone healthy and well got out of the recent situation. God is great.” The message resonated with his followers, many of whom expressed relief and support for the former athlete. The post also highlighted Elia’s faith and positive outlook, qualities that have defined much of his public persona both during and after his football career.
Eljero Elia’s professional football journey spanned over a decade and included stints at several prominent clubs across Europe. Born in the Netherlands, he began his career with ADO Den Haag, where he made his professional debut before moving on to play for clubs such as Twente, Hamburg, Juventus, Werder Bremen, Feyenoord, Istanbul Basaksehir, and Utrecht. His time in the Premier League with Southampton in 2015, though brief, left a mark, particularly with his two goals in a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United, which would prove to be his only strikes for the club. Elia appeared in 17 matches for the Saints, showcasing his pace and flair as a winger before returning to the Netherlands to continue his career.
After a successful and varied career, Elia retired from professional football in 2022 following a second spell with ADO Den Haag, the club where it all began. His retirement marked the end of an era for the dynamic winger, who had earned a reputation for his speed, technical ability, and versatility on the pitch. Beyond his club career, Elia also represented the Netherlands national team, earning caps and contributing to the country’s footballing legacy.
The crash on the A4 motorway serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life, even for those accustomed to high-pressure situations. For Elia, the incident was a sobering moment that could have had far graver consequences. The loss of his £270,000 Lamborghini, while significant, pales in comparison to the relief of emerging unharmed. The luxury SUV, known for its sleek design and high performance, was a prized possession for the former footballer, but Elia’s focus in the aftermath was firmly on the safety of all involved.
The incident also sparked discussions about road safety and the dangers of sudden braking on motorways. Elia noted that the car in front of him had not activated its hazard lights, a factor that may have contributed to the collision. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, the event underscores the importance of vigilance and communication on the road, particularly in high-speed environments like motorways.
For fans of Elia, the news of his safety was met with widespread relief. His career, marked by moments of brilliance and resilience, has endeared him to supporters across the Netherlands and beyond. The crash, while a dramatic and unfortunate event, has only added to the narrative of Elia’s ability to overcome challenges, both on and off the pitch.
As the investigation into the crash continues, authorities will likely seek to determine the precise sequence of events and any contributing factors, such as road conditions, driver behavior, or mechanical issues. The arrest of at least one driver suggests that police are exploring potential violations or negligence, though no charges have been publicly confirmed at this time.
Elia’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of staying grounded, even in the face of material losses. His gratitude for the safety of all involved reflects a perspective shaped by years of navigating the highs and lows of professional sport. For now, the former winger is focused on moving forward, thankful for the opportunity to walk away from a situation that could have ended far differently.
The crash on the A4 motorway will likely remain a significant moment in Elia’s post-football life, a story of survival and gratitude that resonates far beyond the wreckage of his Lamborghini. As he continues to reflect on the incident, Elia’s message of faith and resilience will undoubtedly inspire those who have followed his journey from the football pitch to the open road.
