Hazard, R9, Jack Wilshere… football stars whose careers were cut short by injury
Hazard
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the world of football. They can cruelly cut short the careers of talented players with the potential for greatness.
Some players have had their careers altered by injuries in the past decades.
Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the physical demands and uncertainties that professional footballers face, even when they seem destined for stardom.
It is always sad to look back on what could have been, especially with some of the outstanding talent that often gets ruined by injuries curtailing careers before they have even begun.
Following Eden Hazard’s retirement announcement on Tuesday, CrispNG examines some high-profile players who have unfortunately retired against their own will due to injuries.
Marco van Basten is a legend of the game, a player with extraordinary skills and eyes for goals. Some argue that he is the most complete No.9 in football history.
Unfortunately, he suffered a recurrent ankle injury, sadly ending his career.
The Dutchman’s career lasted until his 20s, despite his considerable success, including three Ballon d’Or championships.
In the 1988 European Championship final victory for the Netherlands over the Soviet Union, his illogical volley brilliantly highlighted his greatness as a goalscorer.
Due to a persistent ankle problem, Van Basten declared his retirement in August 1995.
He had not played in two years, so in a sense, his prime appeared stolen from him.
2. Eden Hazard
Chelsea legend retired from football aged 32 after injury nightmares.
Hazard had an Amazing time as a Chelsea player, winning PFA award, Goal of the Season awards, and numerous trophies.
He then made a big money move to Real Madrid to replace Ronaldo.
However, he did not live up to expectations as he turned up for pre-season overweight, and things quickly went downhill from there.
After breaking his ankle on three occasions, Hazard stated in 2021 that it was unlikely he would ever again be the wing-wizard who tore up the Premier League.
He scored seven goals in 76 appearances with 12 assists throughout his four years at Santiago Bernabeu, and the fact that he never played in a Clasico may best sum up his disastrous stint in Spain.
3. Ronaldo
Ronaldo Nazário had an incredible career, winning two Ballons d’Or, a European Golden Boat, and a World Cup winners medal.
He had the potential to be even greater, at least for a longer length of time. However, he sustained one of the catastrophic knee injuries that would keep him out for three seasons at Inter Milan when he was just 23 years old.
Ronaldo made a partial recovery. He scored eight goals at the Korea-Japan 2002 World Cup as Brazil became World champions.
However, the ‘Fenomeno’ who tormented the great Alessandro Nesta in the 1998 UEFA Cup final was not the man who received a standing ovation after scoring a hat-trick at Old Trafford in 2003.
It was clear why the former Lazio defender dubbed it “the worst experience of my life” when he made that statement.
The most electrifying center-forward of all time, “R9” in form was unbeatable with his speed, power, and an absurd assortment of talents.
Despite everything he went on to accomplish, one can’t help but wonder what may have been if the knee injuries weren’t there.
The first player to have played for England without ever having lived in the country, Canada-born Owen Hargreaves was an integral part of Manchester United’s 2007-08 Champions League-winning squad.
The Englishman was known for his versatility and work ethic. Still, his career was ruined by persistent knee injuries that eventually forced him to retire in 2012 at 31 after a brief spell at Manchester City.
In a July 8, 2022 statement, Jack Wilshere confirmed his retirement from professional football. He could not continue playing after making his debut as a 16-year-old player.
Despite playing for over a decade, Wilshere never entirely recovered from the stress ankle fracture he sustained in 2011 during a pre-season game.
After being out of the game for over a year, he showed flashes of the player Fabio Capello had dubbed “the future” of English football, but he struggled with his form and health.
He was eventually allowed to leave Arsenal for free in 2018.
He once lamented, “I didn’t ever reach my full potential as a player, and everyone knows that. It’s a difficult thing to accept.”
At 33, Sergio Aguero had already seen out most of his career, winning multiple trophies and becoming one of the greatest Premier League goalscorers while playing for Manchester City.
Perhaps best remembered for the “Agueroooooo” goal that saw Manchester City snatch the Premier League title from Manchester United on the final day of the 2011/12 season, Aguero City left for Barcelona in 2021.
But he still had ambitions to fulfill at Barcelona when he was forced into retirement in December 2021 following the diagnosis of a heart condition.
Sergio Aguero, who played for Manchester City and won numerous awards, had completed most of his career by age 33.
He had also established himself as one of the greatest Premier League goalscorers.
Aguero left Manchester City for Barcelona in 2021, where he played a few games and announced his retirement in December 2021.
Announcing the decision to retire, Aguero said: “I’m proud of the career I’ve had and am fortunate it is happening to me now rather than before.
“I don’t know what awaits me in the next life, but I know many people love me and want the best for me.”
7. Dean Ashton
A talented English striker, Dean Ashton showed immense potential at West Ham United.
However, an ankle injury sustained during an England training session in 2006 left him unable to recover fully.
Despite numerous surgeries and rehabilitation efforts, Ashton announced his retirement at 26 years old, leaving the football world to ponder what could have been.
8. Adriano
Inter seems to have found Ronaldo’s perfect replacement in Adriano.
Like his fellow Brazilian, Andriano, ‘The Emperor’ was an imposing blend of physique and technique – a “pure animal,” in Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s words, “who could score from every angle.”
However, after an impressive start to life at San Siro, the striker’s career and life went off the rails.
Why? Injuries combined with the devastating loss of his father.
9. Abou Diaby
Formerly a promising midfielder for both Arsenal and the French national team. Diaby’s performance during his first six months in north London thrilled football fans.
Everyone thought there was a new Patrick Vieira in Town.
Diaby never achieved that height. He sustained some crippling injuries that prevented him from moving on.
Diaby retired at 32 due to his constant battle with reoccurring injuries.
By Chimezie Amos
