Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba received an honorary doctorate from Bolton University.
Wearing a cap and gown, Muamba said he accepted the degree on behalf of the medical team who saved his life after his heart stopped during a match in March of this year.
Muamba collapsed during the game against Tottenham Hotspur but was saved by prompt medical help which kept him alive even though his heart was incapable of pumping on its own for 78 minutes.
He is now fitted with a heart pacemaker.