In the realm of football, injuries can cast a shadow on even the brightest careers. Here, we delve into the stories of the 10 most injury-prone players in football history, whose journeys have been marked by frequent setbacks and prolonged periods on the sidelines.

 

10. Holger Badstuber (1305 days out injured)

German defender Holger Badstuber endured eight years at Bayern Munich, grappling with recurring ankle and muscle injuries. His struggle reached a point where a cruciate ligament injury sidelined him for the entire 2013-14 season, ultimately leading to his retirement in 2022 at the age of 33.

9. Marco Reus (1313 days injured)

Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus, a talent on the pitch, faced numerous injury woes. Missing major tournaments like the 2014 World Cup, 2016 Euros, and 2022 World Cup, Reus continues to showcase his prowess for Dortmund, contributing significantly in the current season.

8. Ronaldo (1324 days injured)

The Brazilian phenomenon Ronaldo, celebrated for his extraordinary skills, was hindered by injuries, preventing him from realizing his full potential and cementing his status among the football greats.

7. Franck Ribery (1363 days injured)

French winger Franck Ribery encountered a plethora of injuries throughout his career, tallying up to 72 separate incidents and causing him to miss 227 games. Despite these setbacks, Ribery enjoyed a remarkable career, notably with Bayern Munich.

6. Thomas Vermaelen (1366 days injured)

Thomas Vermaelen’s promising start at Arsenal gave way to persistent injuries, including a significant Achilles tendon injury in the 2010-11 season. His struggles continued during his stint at Barcelona, leading to retirement in 2022 after playing for Vissel Kobe.

5. Vincent Kompany (1419 days injured)

Highly regarded defender Vincent Kompany grappled with numerous injury setbacks during his time in England. Despite the challenges, he played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s success, securing 12 trophies before his departure.

4. Jack Wilshere (1470 days injured)

Once hailed as a generational talent, Jack Wilshere faced a career-altering ankle injury at 19. Multiple setbacks followed, culminating in his retirement in 2022 after missing a total of 1470 days due to injury.

3. Arjen Robben (1507 days injured)

Known for his explosive pace and skill, Arjen Robben battled injuries throughout his career, notably during his tenure at Bayern Munich. Despite limited appearances, his impact on the pitch remained significant.

2. Stevan Jovetic (1510 days injured)

Montenegrin forward Stevan Jovetic confronted numerous injury challenges, including two ACL injuries, overshadowing his time at Manchester City and persisting with occasional setbacks at Olympiacos.

1. Abou Diaby (1747 days injured)

Arsenal’s Abou Diaby faced a tragic career marred by injuries, missing an astounding 314 games and spending 1747 days on the sidelines, equivalent to nearly 5 years. His narrative unfolds as a poignant tale of unrealized potential.