13 injured players: De Ligt, Cesc, Ronaldo…
Footballers are often accused of being soft, but former Arsenal and Manchester City players are among those who have broken through the pain barrier over the years.
At a time when footballers are often accused of turning around when no injury has been sustained, it's good to remember that there are also times when they show the kind of warrior spirit that we all like to see as fans.
Here are some of our favorite examples of bravery from players battling the worst injuries.
Cesc FabregasIt is still unclear whether Fabregas fractured his leg in the game against Barcelona or even in the previous game against Birmingham.
Either way, scoring a penalty against a European giant with a fractured leg is a pretty impressive feat, even if it seems to make the problem worse.
RonaldoHours before the 1998 World Cup final, star striker Ronaldo reportedly had a fit and was foaming at the mouth.
Ronaldo was rushed to hospital and Edmundo was signed up to play, but Ronaldo had none of it and returned against medical advice to start the game.
The incident has spawned several conspiracy theories, including one that suggests Nike forced Ronaldo to play in the final.
Inevitably, Brazil lost the final to hosts France, even though they managed to catch up four years later…
terry butcherA famous image of England supporters, this injury against Sweden in 1989 is emblematic.
It certainly wouldn't be allowed now, which is for the best.
Paul InceSpeaking of England players carrying on with a blood-soaked kit…
Dietmar HamannA week after Liverpool's Champions League victory over AC Milan, Hamann was ordered to have an X-ray by the German team's doctor. Turns out he had a broken foot.
"I remember when I did it but not how. I was determined to get rid of it, despite the discomfort," Hamann said. put ice on it, but we were walking on air at the time."
Not only did he break his foot during extra time, but Hamann continued to drive the ball in, scoring Liverpool's first penalty in the shootout. "All that mattered was that I scored," he said.
Antonio ValenciaValencia picked up the injury as he attempted a header against Joel Campbell in the first 15 minutes of Man United's game against Olympiakos in 2014.
A large bump appeared above his left eye after the incident and the swelling meant he could barely see. The winger quickly looked like a boxer who had just suffered 12 rounds of bruising.
However, Valencia persevered before finally being substituted in the 77th minute.
jason robertWigan's Roberts also played and scored with a fractured leg in 2005. He lined up against Reading in the final game of the Championship season, scoring the second goal in a 3-1 win that sent Latics into Premier League. .
Bert Trautman"Hello Fritz, fancy a cup of tea?"
This was the line delivered to German soldier Trautmann when he was captured by British soldiers during World War II
Fast forward to 1956, Trautmann lined up in goal for Manchester City against Birmingham in the FA Cup final. In the 73rd minute he collided with Peter Murphy but opted to continue seeing his side win 3-1 with some crucial saves.
Visibly twisted while collecting his winner's medal, it was discovered that Trautmann had in fact broken his neck in the challenge. "You should be dead," said the doctor.
Wilfrid BonyBony suffered the injury moments after being introduced as a second-half substitute in Swansea's clash with Leicester in February 2018.
The Ivorian continued after an awkward landing, but a scan revealed he had torn his anterior cruciate ligament and would miss the rest of the season.
Swansea fans probably could have forgiven him for not playing with that one.
Vincent KompanyThe man who always looked hurt can't really be blamed for sometimes wanting to play through the pain barrier, but playing 60 minutes after breaking his nose, breaking his eye socket and having suffered a concussion is no walk in the park.
Again, that wouldn't be allowed now. Yes, that's a good thing.
Stuart PearceOf course, Psycho makes an appearance in this list. He broke his leg in the first half of a match between West Ham and Watford, which continued until...
Footballers are often accused of being soft, but former Arsenal and Manchester City players are among those who have broken through the pain barrier over the years.
At a time when footballers are often accused of turning around when no injury has been sustained, it's good to remember that there are also times when they show the kind of warrior spirit that we all like to see as fans.
Here are some of our favorite examples of bravery from players battling the worst injuries.
Cesc FabregasIt is still unclear whether Fabregas fractured his leg in the game against Barcelona or even in the previous game against Birmingham.
Either way, scoring a penalty against a European giant with a fractured leg is a pretty impressive feat, even if it seems to make the problem worse.
RonaldoHours before the 1998 World Cup final, star striker Ronaldo reportedly had a fit and was foaming at the mouth.
Ronaldo was rushed to hospital and Edmundo was signed up to play, but Ronaldo had none of it and returned against medical advice to start the game.
The incident has spawned several conspiracy theories, including one that suggests Nike forced Ronaldo to play in the final.
Inevitably, Brazil lost the final to hosts France, even though they managed to catch up four years later…
terry butcherA famous image of England supporters, this injury against Sweden in 1989 is emblematic.
It certainly wouldn't be allowed now, which is for the best.
Paul InceSpeaking of England players carrying on with a blood-soaked kit…
Dietmar HamannA week after Liverpool's Champions League victory over AC Milan, Hamann was ordered to have an X-ray by the German team's doctor. Turns out he had a broken foot.
"I remember when I did it but not how. I was determined to get rid of it, despite the discomfort," Hamann said. put ice on it, but we were walking on air at the time."
Not only did he break his foot during extra time, but Hamann continued to drive the ball in, scoring Liverpool's first penalty in the shootout. "All that mattered was that I scored," he said.
Antonio ValenciaValencia picked up the injury as he attempted a header against Joel Campbell in the first 15 minutes of Man United's game against Olympiakos in 2014.
A large bump appeared above his left eye after the incident and the swelling meant he could barely see. The winger quickly looked like a boxer who had just suffered 12 rounds of bruising.
However, Valencia persevered before finally being substituted in the 77th minute.
jason robertWigan's Roberts also played and scored with a fractured leg in 2005. He lined up against Reading in the final game of the Championship season, scoring the second goal in a 3-1 win that sent Latics into Premier League. .
Bert Trautman"Hello Fritz, fancy a cup of tea?"
This was the line delivered to German soldier Trautmann when he was captured by British soldiers during World War II
Fast forward to 1956, Trautmann lined up in goal for Manchester City against Birmingham in the FA Cup final. In the 73rd minute he collided with Peter Murphy but opted to continue seeing his side win 3-1 with some crucial saves.
Visibly twisted while collecting his winner's medal, it was discovered that Trautmann had in fact broken his neck in the challenge. "You should be dead," said the doctor.
Wilfrid BonyBony suffered the injury moments after being introduced as a second-half substitute in Swansea's clash with Leicester in February 2018.
The Ivorian continued after an awkward landing, but a scan revealed he had torn his anterior cruciate ligament and would miss the rest of the season.
Swansea fans probably could have forgiven him for not playing with that one.
Vincent KompanyThe man who always looked hurt can't really be blamed for sometimes wanting to play through the pain barrier, but playing 60 minutes after breaking his nose, breaking his eye socket and having suffered a concussion is no walk in the park.
Again, that wouldn't be allowed now. Yes, that's a good thing.
Stuart PearceOf course, Psycho makes an appearance in this list. He broke his leg in the first half of a match between West Ham and Watford, which continued until...
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