What Is Andrea Bocelli Diagnosed With? Blindness & Family

Andrea Bocelli was born with congenital glaucoma, a rare eye condition that severely impaired his sight from birth and ultimately led to total blindness at age 12 after a football accident caused a brain haemorrhage. That medical reality, often misunderstood, is the key to understanding his life, his family, and the persistent curiosity about his health. This article draws on verified medical records, official biographies, and interviews to separate fact from rumor.

Last checked: 2026-07-30

Full name: Andrea Bocelli · Occupation: Italian tenor, multi-genre recording artist · Career start: 1994 · Blindness cause: Congenital glaucoma, aggravated by a football accident at age 12

What Is Andrea Bocelli Diagnosed With?

Bocelli was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma in infancy, around five months old, after his parents noticed serious vision problems. This rare eye disease damages the optic nerve due to abnormal development of the eye’s drainage system before birth, leading to increased pressure inside the eye (Daily Express – Health explainer). Despite multiple surgeries—reports mention around two dozen procedures—his sight remained severely limited throughout childhood.

Congenital Glaucoma and the Football Accident

At age 12, while playing goalkeeper in a football match, Bocelli was struck in the face by the ball, causing a brain haemorrhage that led to the complete loss of his remaining vision. Encyclopaedia Britannica states: “He became totally blind at age 12 after suffering a brain hemorrhage as the result of a soccer accident.” Doctors even tried leeches in a last-ditch effort to save his eyesight, but the damage was irreversible (Wikipedia).

“A ball hit me right in the face. From that blow, a haemorrhage… and the rest is history.”

— Andrea Bocelli, in an interview with Smooth Radio

Bocelli has publicly described that moment as one of the worst of his life, but also a turning point that deepened his commitment to music. He later attended a school for the visually impaired, learned Braille music notation, and studied law at the University of Pisa before switching to a full-time music career (Classic FM).

The bottom line: Bocelli’s blindness is the result of congenital glaucoma worsened by a traumatic brain injury at age 12—not a disease that developed later in life.

Why Does Andrea Bocelli Keep His Eyes Closed When Singing?

Many viewers notice that Bocelli often performs with his eyes closed, but the reason is not purely medical. Because he has been completely blind since age 12, Bocelli has no visual feedback to rely on; closing his eyes helps him concentrate on the music and block out environmental distractions. NBC Insider reports that he uses spatial memory of stages and relies on conductors and collaborators to navigate movement.

Medical Versus Artistic Reasons

Some sources suggest that the habit of closing his eyes is also an artistic choice. Bocelli has said that it allows him to “feel the music more deeply” and connect emotionally with the lyrics. However, the underlying medical reality is that his eyes cannot see, so closing them is a natural way to reduce unnecessary sensory input. In interviews, he has emphasized that his blindness does not hinder his performance but rather focuses his entire being on the vocal line (The Guardian).

“I don’t like lies. They always have short legs, especially the ones we tell ourselves.”

— Andrea Bocelli, in an interview with The Guardian, November 2024

Why this matters: Bocelli’s closed eyes are not a symptom of anything new—they are a voluntary adaptation that has been part of his performance technique for decades.

Andrea Bocelli: Songs, Wife & Sons

Bocelli’s most famous song is “Con Te Partirò” (1995), which became a global hit and was later re-recorded as “Time to Say Goodbye” with Sarah Brightman. He has sold more than 90 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling classical crossover artists (Wikipedia).

First Wife Enrica

Bocelli married Enrica Cenzatti in 1992, the year before his breakthrough at the Sanremo Music Festival. They had two sons, Amos (born 1995) and Matteo (born 1997). The couple separated around 2002 and later divorced. The exact legal details of the separation are not publicly detailed, but Bocelli has spoken warmly of Enrica as the mother of his sons (Wikipedia).

Second Wife Veronica

Bocelli began a relationship with Veronica Berti in the early 2000s. Their daughter Virginia was born in 2012, and the couple married in 2014. Berti also serves as Bocelli’s manager, overseeing his touring schedule and philanthropic work through the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, which supports education and health projects (Wikipedia).

Sons Matteo and Amos

Matteo Bocelli has followed his father into music, performing duets such as “Fall On Me” and releasing his own albums. Amos Bocelli, the elder son, has largely stayed out of the public eye, though he has been involved in the family’s wine business in Tuscany. In 2022, Matteo married his longtime partner, a wedding that Bocelli described as “the happiest day of his life” according to Italian media reports cited by HOLA (YouTube documentary – Time to Say Goodbye).

The pattern: Bocelli’s family life has been a source of stability and inspiration, with his sons carrying forward his musical legacy in different ways.

Is Andrea Bocelli Ill in 2026?

As of mid-2025, there are no confirmed reports that Andrea Bocelli is suffering from any new illness. Rumors occasionally surface online, but they typically stem from his long-standing blindness and the natural aging process. Bocelli turned 67 in September 2025 and continues to perform globally. The Guardian interview from November 2024 shows him in good spirits and health, discussing his philosophy of honesty and perseverance.

Rumors and Facts

Search queries about Bocelli’s health in 2026 appear to be driven by general curiosity rather than any specific event. He has not canceled any tours or indicated a decline in health. The only verified health condition remains his blindness, which is stable and well-managed. The Andrea Bocelli Foundation continues to operate, and Bocelli regularly posts updates on social media and his official website (Classic FM).

What to watch: No credible sources suggest Bocelli is ill. Any claims to the contrary should be treated as unsubstantiated rumors.