10 Most Injury-Prone Players in Football History

Injuries are an unfortunate part of any athlete’s career, and football is no exception. Some players have been more prone to injuries than others, with their careers marred by constant setbacks and time spent on the sidelines. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 most injury-prone players in football history.

10. Holger Badstuber (1305 days out injured)

Holger Badstuber, the German defender, spent eight years at Bayern Munich but struggled with injuries throughout his career. He suffered numerous ankle and muscle injuries and was even sidelined for the entire 2013–14 campaign due to a cruciate ligament injury. These setbacks eventually led to his retirement in 2022 at the age of 33.

9. Marco Reus (1313 days injured)

Marco Reus, a talented player for Borussia Dortmund, has been plagued by injuries over the years. He missed the 2014 World Cup, the 2016 Euros, and the 2022 World Cup due to various injuries. Despite these setbacks, Reus continues to perform well for his club, contributing six goals and three assists this season.

8. Ronaldo (1324 days injured)

Ronaldo, the Brazilian phenomenon, was known for his incredible skills and technique. However, injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential and becoming one of the greatest players of all time.

7. Franck Ribery (1363 days injured)

Franck Ribery, the French winger, missed a significant number of games throughout his career. He suffered from 72 separate injuries and missed a total of 227 games. Despite these setbacks, Ribery still managed to have an impressive career, particularly with Bayern Munich.

6. Thomas Vermaelen (1366 days injured)

Thomas Vermaelen had a promising start at Arsenal but was plagued by injuries from the following season onwards. He missed a significant portion of the 2010–11 season due to an Achilles tendon injury and continued to struggle with injuries during his time at Barcelona. Vermaelen retired in 2022 after playing for Vissel Kobe.

5. Vincent Kompany (1419 days injured)

Vincent Kompany, a highly regarded defender, faced numerous injury setbacks during his time in England. Despite these challenges, he managed to win 12 trophies and remained a key player for Manchester City.

4. Jack Wilshere (1470 days injured)

Jack Wilshere, once considered a generational talent, had his career derailed by injuries. He suffered a serious ankle injury at the age of 19 and faced multiple setbacks throughout his career. Wilshere retired in 2022 after missing a total of 1470 days due to injury.

3. Arjen Robben (1507 days injured)

Arjen Robben, known for his explosive pace and skill, struggled with injuries throughout his career. Despite his limited appearances, he made a significant impact on the pitch, especially during his time at Bayern Munich.

2. Stevan Jovetic (1510 days injured)

Stevan Jovetic, a forward from Montenegro, has faced numerous injury challenges, including two ACL injuries. His time at Manchester City was overshadowed by injuries, and he continues to face occasional setbacks while playing for Olympiacos.

1. Abou Diaby (1747 days injured)

Abou Diaby’s career was tragically affected by injuries. The Arsenal player missed a staggering 314 games and spent 1747 days on the sidelines, equivalent to almost 5 years. It is a heartbreaking tale of unfulfilled potential.

This article was updated 9 months ago