Athletes Affected by ACL Injuries
It is undoubtedly the most fearsome injury that haunts footballers and clubs alike. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears often spell disaster, requiring intricate surgeries and thrusting players into lengthy rehabilitation periods that can last up to a year or more.
The ACL, an essential band of tissue connecting the patella (knee bone) to the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shinbone), is crucial for the stability of the knee joint. A tear or rupture typically occurs when a player applies excessive pressure on the knee or makes a rapid directional change, leading to what is a heart-wrenching moment for any athlete.
This injury has become alarmingly common in women’s football but has surged in prevalence within the men’s game, creating a growing concern among clubs. An ACL injury can not only sideline a player for an extended duration but, in some harrowing cases, it can bring an abrupt end to a budding career.
Let’s delve into the careers of several high-profile male players who have suffered from ACL injuries, underscoring the challenges they faced..
Radamel Falcao (Monaco)
Following a blistering spell at Atlético Madrid, where he netted 70 goals in just 91 appearances, Radamel Falcao was a player in demand worldwide. Thus, his move to Monaco in the summer of 2013 raised more than a few eyebrows. Unfortunately, during a Coupe de France match against Chasselay that January, disaster struck as Falcao tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The Colombian star’s season, along with his participation in the 2014 World Cup, was tragically cut short, and upon his return, he was hauntingly different—struggling to recapture his once dazzling form.
Éder Militão (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid’s Éder Militão experienced the anguish of an ACL tear during a LaLiga encounter against Athletic Club, sidelining him for almost an entire season. Although he managed to make a late return for the memorable Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund in June 2024, his problems weren’t over; just months later, in November, he faced another cruciate nightmare, this time tearing his right ACL in a LaLiga clash against Osasuna.
Ivan Perišić (Tottenham)
In a shocking turn of events, Croatian midfielder Ivan Perišić suffered a complex ACL injury in his right knee while engaged in non-contact training at Tottenham in September 2023. Despite undergoing surgery, fate smiled upon him no longer as he departed London for his homeland, joining Hajduk Split in January 2024 without kicking a ball in anger for Spurs again.
Robert Pirès (Arsenal)
In March 2002, Robert Pirès experienced the sobering pain of an ACL tear during an FA Cup encounter against Newcastle. This unfortunate injury not only sidelined him for the FA Cup final but also placed him out of contention for the 2002 World Cup. Nonetheless, it is a testament to his influence that he was named the Football Writers’ Player of the Year for his pivotal contributions to Arsenal’s league and cup double that season.
Ruud van Nistelrooy (PSV)
Just days before finalizing a sensational £18.5 million transfer to Manchester United, Ruud van Nistelrooy ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament at PSV. This catastrophic injury sidelined him for a year, yet Sir Alex Ferguson remained undeterred, completing the acquisition the following summer for £19m—an investment that would yield prolific returns.
Gavi (Spain)
In a harrowing moment for the burgeoning talent, Gavi tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while representing Spain against Georgia in November 2023. The injury, compounded by damage to his lateral meniscus, kept the Barcelona midfielder sidelined for the remainder of the 2023/24 season and thwarted his hopes of joining Spain in their Euro 2024 campaign, which they ultimately won. Gavi showed resilience, making his much-anticipated return in September 2024.
Roberto Baggio (Vicenza)
Towards the tail end of his final season with Vicenza, Roberto Baggio suffered a catastrophic ACL rupture and meniscus damage while facing Rimini. Yet, driven by passion and determination, he signed with Fiorentina the following summer and, despite missing virtually the entire season, emerged as one of Italy’s finest footballing talents, etching his name in the annals of football history.
Roy Keane (Manchester United)
In a shocking twist of fate, Manchester United’s fierce captain, Roy Keane, was forced to miss the majority of the 1997/98 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament while facing Leeds United. His absence was acutely felt as the Red Devils surrendered their Premier League crown to Arsenal. However, Keane’s resilience shone through as he made a remarkable return, playing a pivotal role in United’s treble-winning campaign in 1998/99.
Francesco Totti (Roma)
In April 2008, Francesco Totti’s heroic journey with Roma faced a harrowing setback when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a match against Livorno. Although he missed the Coppa Italia final, he returned swiftly after surgery and partook in the jubilant celebrations following Roma’s victory over Inter. The iconic forward would be sidelined for four months, but his remarkable tenacity and leadership shined brightly even in adversity.
Zlatan Ibrahimović (Manchester United & AC Milan)
In April 2017, during a gripping Europa League clash against Anderlecht, Zlatan Ibrahimović suffered a serious knee injury resulting in significant ligament damage. This unexpected setback kept him on the sidelines during the final, where his teammates clinched victory over Ajax. Yet, the lion-hearted Swede made headlines five years later by revealing that he played half a season “without an ACL” in his left knee, managing to bolster AC Milan to a Serie A title through sheer willpower and pain management.
Xavi (Barcelona)
Ate my words, Xavi’s stellar career faced a potential derailment when he suffered an ACL tear during training at Barcelona in December 2005. Originally expected to miss the entire season, the midfielder made a remarkably fast recovery, returning to action by April and even taking a spot on the bench for the Champions League final victory over Arsenal. This tenacious spirit also translated to the international stage, where he contributed to Spain’s World Cup triumph in 2006.
Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus)
In the twilight of 1998, Alessandro Del Piero was without question one of football’s brightest stars. The maestro netted 32 goals in 47 appearances, propelling Juventus to the Serie A title and a Champions League final. However, disaster struck late in a match against Udinese when he ruptured his ACL. The setback saw him miss the entirety of the 1998/99 season, and though he returned less explosive, he later adapted to a deeper role, ultimately becoming Juventus’s all-time leading scorer.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk was instrumental to Liverpool’s astounding success in the Champions League and Premier League during 2019 and 2020. However, calamity struck in October 2020 when he suffered a dreadful ACL injury after a reckless collision with Everton’s Jordan Pickford in a fierce Merseyside derby. His absence, spanning nine months, was acutely felt by the Reds as they sought to defend their title and maintain momentum.
Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers)
In one of the most striking tales of resilience, the legendary Alan Shearer ruptured his cruciate ligament during a December match against Leeds United. This setback forced him to miss the entire season, but Shearer would not be defined by his injury. He returned to lead Blackburn Rovers to glory, spearheading their historic title win in 1994/95 and later becoming the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer during his storied tenure at Newcastle United.
Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
A pivotal figure in Real Madrid’s triumphant LaLiga and Champions League campaign in the 2023/24 season, Dani Carvajal found himself grappling with an ACL injury in October 2024 following a match against Villarreal. His candid remarks regarding the excessive demands placed on players resonated profoundly, as Madrid stood firm behind him, offering a long-term contract during his recovery period.
Neymar (Brazil)
In a poignant climax to his recent achievements, Neymar faced an ACL injury while representing Brazil against Uruguay in October 2023—mere weeks after surpassing Pelé’s record to become Brazil’s all-time top scorer. Compounding the heartbreak, Neymar was swiftly de-registered by Al-Hilal during his recovery after just a few appearances. Nevertheless, showcasing incredible resilience, he made his return to the pitch in October 2024 after over a year away from the game.
Rodri (Manchester City)
Emerging as a linchpin for both club and country, Rodri experienced a serious ACL tear in September 2024 following a confrontational clash with Thomas Partey during a high-spirited 2-2 draw against Arsenal. Having showcased unwavering excellence alongside Manchester City and Spain in the preceding campaigns, this injury stripped him of that momentum, as he accepted the Ballon d’Or in late October while on crutches, a reminder of how swiftly fortunes can shift in football.
