Unfortunate Mishaps: The 15 Worst Injuries in Football History

Football, a captivating and thrilling sport, carries inherent risks for its players. In the pursuit of scoring goals or defending their territory, footballers often put their bodies on the line, occasionally succumbing to injuries that can have a profound impact on their careers. Whether it be seasoned professionals or promising young talents, a severe injury can cause significant setbacks.

In this exploration by Betimate, we delve into the realm of football's most devastating injuries. We will recount the circumstances surrounding each incident, discuss the immediate repercussions, and examine the subsequent recovery process, if any, that the players underwent.

Eduardo

Arsenal vs Birmingham City (2008)

In a distressing incident during a match between Arsenal and Birmingham City in 2008, Eduardo da Silva endured a horrific leg fracture. A mistimed tackle from Martin Taylor resulted in a broken left fibula and a dislocated ankle for Eduardo, forcing him to the sidelines just a few months after joining Arsenal.

The road to recovery was arduous for Eduardo. Although he made a comeback in February 2009, the Croatian forward struggled to regain the form he had shown prior to the injury, much to the disappointment of Arsenal fans worldwide. Despite this setback, Eduardo continued his career with Shakhtar Donetsk, where he achieved a moderate level of success.

Ultimately, after battling through various challenges, Eduardo made the decision to retire from professional football in 2018. His career trajectory was undoubtedly altered by the devastating leg fracture, leaving a sense of what might have been had he not suffered such a significant injury.

David Busst

Coventry City vs Manchester United (1996)

David Busst's career was tragically cut short by one of the most horrifying injuries in football history. During a match in 1996, while playing for Coventry City, Busst collided with Manchester United players during a corner, resulting in compound fractures to both the tibia and fibula of his right leg.

The road to recovery for Busst was grueling and filled with numerous surgeries. At one point, there were concerns that amputation might be necessary due to the severity of the injuries. Fortunately, that extreme measure was not required, but the damage was significant enough to force Busst into retirement.

Following his retirement, Busst remained involved in football by working with Coventry City's community program. However, the severity of his injuries prevented him from ever playing the beautiful game again. His story serves as a somber reminder of the risks and potential consequences that footballers face on the field.

Luc Nilis

Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town (2000)

Luc Nilis, while playing for Aston Villa, endured a devastating career-ending injury during a collision with Ipswich goalkeeper Richard Wright. The incident resulted in a compound fracture in Nilis's right leg. This unfortunate event occurred early in his Aston Villa tenure, after he had already scored a goal in his first two games for the club.

Following the injury, Nilis underwent extensive surgery and embarked on a challenging rehabilitation process. The severity of his wounds led to concerns of potential amputation due to infection, but fortunately, his leg was saved. Despite this, Nilis was forced to retire prematurely from professional football.

In the aftermath of his playing career, Nilis transitioned to a coaching role at PSV Eindhoven. While his time on the field was tragically curtailed, Nilis continued to contribute to the sport in a different capacity.

Henrik Larsson

Celtic vs Lyon (1999)

Henrik Larsson, one of Sweden's most prominent football stars, endured a severe injury during his time at Celtic. In a UEFA Cup match against Lyon in 1999, Larsson suffered a double leg fracture.

After an arduous recovery period of eight months, Larsson remarkably returned to the pitch, showcasing an incredible resurgence in form. He went on to achieve numerous accolades, including winning the Golden Boot. Larsson's football journey took him to Barcelona, where he played a pivotal role in the memorable Champions League final against Arsenal in 2006, contributing to the Catalan giants' triumph in European football's premier competition. Later, Larsson made a brief but impactful stint at Manchester United in the Premier League.

While Larsson's career ultimately reached great heights, it is important to remember the horrific nature of his injury in 1999.

Djibril Cisse

Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers (2004)

Djibril Cisse, a talented striker, faced the unfortunate challenge of overcoming two devastating leg breaks in his career, with the injuries occurring just two years apart. The first occurred during a match for Liverpool in 2004, sidelining him for a substantial period of seven months. However, an even more horrific incident took place during a World Cup warm-up match in 2006.

During Les Bleus' match against China, Cisse was stretchered off the field after a collision with a defender left him off balance, causing his right leg to twist underneath him. The severity of the injury was evident, and it added another setback to Cisse's career. Despite these formidable challenges, Cisse's resilience allowed him to continue playing for various clubs. However, he never quite reached the peak form he had displayed before these injuries.

Alf-Inge Haaland

Manchester City vs Manchester United (2001)

Alf-Inge Haaland, the father of Manchester City star Erling Haaland, was forced into retirement due to a knee injury inflicted by a reckless challenge from Roy Keane. The tackle itself became infamous, generating controversy and sparking discussions in the football world. Keane, in his autobiography a year later, admitted that he had been waiting for an opportunity to retaliate against Haaland after their previous confrontations on the pitch.

The animosity between Keane and the Norwegian stemmed from a particular incident in 1997 when Haaland stood over Keane after the latter had gone down following a clash. Haaland had accused Keane of feigning injury, unaware that Keane had actually suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament. This incident fueled Keane's resentment towards Haaland.

Unfortunately, Haaland's own injury struggles persisted, and he was only able to play a few more matches before retiring in 2003. The lasting impact of Keane's challenge on Haaland's career serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from heated confrontations on the football field.

Alan Smith

Manchester United vs Liverpool (2006)

Alan Smith, a promising talent at Manchester United, experienced a significant setback in his career during an FA Cup match against Liverpool. While blocking a free-kick from John Arne Riise, Smith suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle. This injury forced him to spend a year on the sidelines, and upon his return, he was unable to reach the same level of performance he had displayed before.

Smith's decline was a heartbreaking turn of events, considering the high expectations that surrounded him following his notable transfer from Leeds United to Manchester United. Prior to the transfer, Sir Alex Ferguson even expressed confidence in Smith's potential, comparing his characteristics to those of a young Roy Keane.

Unfortunately, Smith's career trajectory was significantly altered by the horror injury he sustained. Despite playing for several clubs after leaving Manchester United, he was unable to fulfill the potential that had once been anticipated for him. The injury served as a defining moment in Smith's career, shaping the trajectory of his football journey.

Patrick Battiston

France vs Germany (1982)

The 1982 World Cup semi-final witnessed a horrifying incident involving Patrick Battiston and German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher. Battiston found himself in a clear goal-scoring opportunity, but as he took his shot, Schumacher's body collided with his face, resulting in broken teeth, ribs, and damaged vertebrae.

The impact of the collision was severe, leaving Battiston unconscious and causing him to slip into a coma. His teammate Michel Platini even feared the worst, believing that Battiston had passed away due to his pale complexion and lack of pulse. However, Battiston remarkably made a recovery.

Despite the traumatic incident, Battiston displayed incredible resilience and determination. He continued his international and club career, going on to win several league titles with Bordeaux. His ability to overcome such a devastating injury and return to success on the football field serves as a testament to his strength and perseverance.

Radamel Falcao

AS Monaco vs Monts d'Or Azergues (2014)

Radamel Falcao, a renowned striker, encountered a significant setback in his career when he tore his ACL during a French Cup game, causing him to miss out on participating in the 2014 World Cup. Although he eventually returned to the field, the injury had a lasting impact on his performance, and Falcao struggled to reclaim his status as an elite player, despite displaying glimpses of his talent during his time at Monaco.

Prior to the injury, Falcao had earned a formidable reputation as a prolific goalscorer, impressing with his goal-scoring exploits for Porto and later Atletico Madrid in the late 2000s and early 2010s. His performances in the Spanish capital caught the attention of big-spending AS Monaco, leading to his transfer. Unfortunately, just months after joining Monaco, he suffered the ACL injury.

Following his recovery, Falcao had a loan spell at Manchester United before returning to Monaco. During this period, he experienced some success, particularly in 2017 when he played a crucial role in Monaco's journey to the Champions League semi-finals alongside a young and talented Kylian Mbappe.

Despite the challenges posed by his injury, Falcao's resilience and contributions to the sport are evident throughout his career. While he may not have fully regained his previous form, his impact on the teams he represented remains notable.

Neymar

Brazil vs Colombia (2014)

The injury Neymar suffered during the 2014 World Cup is undeniably one of the most heart-wrenching in recent memory. During a match against Colombia, he sustained a fractured vertebra after a challenge from Juan Camilo Zúñiga. The tournament held significant importance for Neymar, as it took place in his home country of Brazil. The sight of the sea of yellow and the roaring crowd when he stepped onto the field was truly awe-inspiring.

With high expectations surrounding him, Neymar was poised to have a defining moment on the international stage and follow in the footsteps of legendary Brazilian players such as Pele, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo. Unfortunately, fate took a cruel turn when his injury forced him out of the tournament. To make matters worse, Neymar had to watch helplessly as Germany handed Brazil a devastating 7-1 defeat in the semi-finals, leaving the entire nation in mourning.

The injury dashed Neymar's hopes of achieving his crowning moment and left a lasting impact on both him and the Brazilian supporters. Despite the setback, Neymar has continued to make his mark on the football world, displaying resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Aaron Ramsey

Arsenal vs Stoke City (2010)

The tackle from Ryan Shawcross on Aaron Ramsey in 2010 stands out as one of the most devastating injuries experienced by an Arsenal player. At the time, Ramsey had recently joined Arsenal from Cardiff and was starting to showcase his potential, earning the trust of manager Arsene Wenger. The match against Stoke City in the Premier League was known for its physicality, and unfortunately, Ramsey fell victim to a challenge that resulted in a broken leg.

Following a nine-month recovery period, Ramsey demonstrated remarkable resilience and returned to the football pitch. Despite the setback early in his career, he went on to become a key player for both Arsenal and the Welsh national team. Winning several FA Cup trophies, including scoring decisive goals against Hull City and Chelsea, further cemented his legacy at Arsenal.

However, there lingers a sense of what could have been had Ramsey not suffered the leg break. His talent and potential were evident, and it is natural to wonder how his career might have unfolded without that significant setback. Nevertheless, Ramsey's determination and ability to overcome adversity have made him a respected figure in the football world.

Luke Shaw

Manchester United vs PSV (2015)

Luke Shaw's transfer to Manchester United from Southampton in a high-profile deal marked him as a long-term defensive stalwart for the club. The left-back had showcased immense potential during his early career with Southampton, leading to United's decision to secure his services early on. However, a devastating setback occurred when Shaw suffered a double leg fracture during a Champions League match against PSV in 2015, severely hampering his progress at Old Trafford.

Following a grueling 11-month recovery period, Shaw made his return to the pitch. He gradually regained his form and became an integral part of Manchester United's defense. However, injury issues have continued to plague him throughout his time at the club, leading to intermittent periods on the sidelines.

Despite the challenges posed by injuries, Shaw's determination and resilience have allowed him to make significant contributions when fit. While his career may not have unfolded as smoothly as anticipated, he has shown glimpses of his talent and potential during his time at Manchester United. Shaw's journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and obstacles that can arise in a player's career, highlighting the importance of perseverance and mental strength in overcoming adversity.

Kieron Dyer

West Ham United vs Bristol Rovers (2007)

Kieron Dyer, known to football fans for his infamous clash with teammate Lee Bowyer at Newcastle United, experienced a devastating moment later in his career. While playing for West Ham in a League Cup match against Bristol Rovers, Dyer suffered a double fracture in his right leg following an accidental collision with Joe Jacobson. The injury occurred in 2007 and had a significant impact on Dyer's career trajectory.

Despite making a recovery, the injury severely hampered Dyer's ability to reach the same heights he had previously enjoyed. Prior to the injury, Dyer had been a highly regarded player, particularly during his time at Newcastle. However, after the leg fracture, he struggled to regain his form and was unable to replicate his previous success.

The incident serves as a poignant reminder of how injuries can significantly alter a player's career trajectory. Dyer's unfortunate experience highlights the challenges faced by athletes in overcoming such setbacks and finding their footing in the game once again.

Roberto Baggio

Brescia vs Parma (2002)

Roberto Baggio, known for his iconic mullet hairstyle, was a prominent figure in Italian football during the late 20th century. His international career with the Italian national team spanned an impressive 16 years, from 1988 to 2004. However, it was towards the end of his playing days that Baggio encountered his most devastating setback.

In 2002, Baggio suffered a torn ACL, a severe injury that forced him to miss several months of play. Despite the setback, Baggio demonstrated his remarkable resilience and determination by making a successful return to action. In fact, some argue that he played some of the best football of his career during his time at Brescia.

Baggio's performances at Brescia, where he recorded consecutive seasons of double-digit goals in Serie A, showcased his enduring talent and skill as a playmaker. This period of his career served as a testament to his ability to overcome adversity and continue to excel on the football field.

Marcin Wasilewski

Anderlecht vs Standard Liege (2009)

The tackle from Axel Witsel on Marcin Wasilewski during a Belgian Pro League match between Standard Liege and Anderlecht in 2009 was a horrifying incident that resulted in Wasilewski suffering a broken leg and ankle. The severity of the injury required corrective surgery for open fractures to both the tibia and fibula. Witsel faced consequences for the tackle and was initially suspended for eight games by the Belgian FA, although this was reduced to three games on appeal.

Despite the devastating injury, Wasilewski displayed incredible resilience and determination during his rehabilitation process. He made a remarkable recovery and was able to continue his football career, eventually joining Leicester City. In a stunning turn of events, Wasilewski was part of the Leicester City squad that achieved the historic feat of winning the Premier League title under manager Claudio Ranieri in the 2015-2016 season. This achievement is widely regarded as one of the greatest sporting triumphs in history.