The most common injuries to football players

May 30 2023 | Articles

Football is a contact sport, so injuries to football players are quite common. Here are some of the most common injuries faced by football players:

1. Sprains and strains: Sprains and strains are some of the most common injuries in football. These can occur when there is a sudden change of direction or contact with other players.
2. Fractures: Bone fractures can occur as a result of a hard knock, a fall or contact with other players. Often fractures affect the legs, including the hips, shins and feet.
3. Rotator cuff of the shoulder: This is an injury associated with damage to the muscles and tendons around the shoulder. It can occur from a fall on an outstretched arm or from a violent jerk.
4. Ankle injury: Due to frequent changes of direction and contact with other players, ankle injuries including sprains or fractures are also common among football players.
5. Head injuries: Head injuries, such as concussions, may occur from violent collisions of players’ heads, contact with the ball or a fall.
6. Ligament tears and sprains: Due to fast and sudden movements, ligaments, particularly in the knee and ankle joints, may be torn or stretched.
7. Muscle injuries: Muscle injuries such as tears and sprains can occur due to intense physical activity.

It is important to note that professional football players usually have a high level of fitness and access to medical care to prevent and treat injuries.
However, any football player, regardless of their level of play, should be careful and watch their safety on the pitch.

Most outstanding cases of football player injuries

In the history of football, there have been several notable cases of player injuries that have attracted a great deal of public attention and discussion. Some of these cases include:

1. Jorge Mendes (Jorhinho) – In 1984, during a match between Spain and Malaga, Jorge Mendes suffered a serious spinal injury that left him paralysed from the neck down. This injury led to significant changes to the rules of football and an increased focus on player safety.
2. Eduardo da Silva – In 2008, Eduardo, who played for Arsenal, suffered a terrible leg injury during a match against Birmingham City. He fractured his tibia and suffered a serious ankle injury. This injury led to a long recovery period and sparked a discussion about the brutality of football.
3. David Buzzo – In 1993 Buzzo suffered a serious knee injury during a match between Sevilla and Real Madrid. It was revealed that he had a malignant bone tumour which led to the amputation of his leg.
4. Alan Smith – In 2006, Smith, who played for Manchester United, suffered an ankle injury and a broken leg during a Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven. This injury required surgery and a lengthy recovery.
5. Neil Simpson – In 1998, Simpson, a Swansea City player, suffered a serious neck injury after colliding with a teammate during a match. This caused a temporary paralysing injury but he was able to make a full recovery.

These are just a few examples of outstanding cases of footballers’ injuries. They underline that football is a physically intense sport.