Injuries are part of a football player's life. Players suffer different types of injuries at some point in their careers. Some are worse than others. One of the most horrific types of injuries suffered by football stars is a broken leg. This horrific injury leaves the player out of action for months, even a year. In some extreme cases, the football player may never fully recover and abandon the sport entirely. Several players have suffered this serious injury over the years. Today you will find out which football players have broken their legs, but be warned, this list is not for the faint-hearted.
1. Djibril Cisse
The former French international was unlucky to suffer not one but two broken legs during his playing career. The first occurred whilst playing for Liverpool in an English Premier League game against opponents Blackburn Rovers in 2004, when his performance deteriorated following a foul by Jay McEveley. The second case occurred in a pre-World Cup friendly against China in 2006. Fortunately, Cisse fully recovered from both injuries and was able to continue his career until his retirement.
2. Aaron Ramsey
The Welsh and former Arsenal midfielder suffered this injury early in his career, when he was just 19 years old. The incident occurred in 2010 during a league match between Arsenal and Stoke City. Ramsey broke his leg after a reckless tackle by Potters defender Ryan Shawcross. As a result, he had to take a break of about nine months. Aaron was able to fully recover from the traumatic experience and continue his playing career. He is currently under contract with Italian club Juventus.
3. Wesley Fofana
Leicester defender Wesley Fofana broke his leg during the pre-season match against Villarreal in August 2024. The French centre-back was caught in a reckless tackle by Fer Nino and had to leave the pitch on a stretcher. Fofana returned to play in March 2022 and scored a goal on his return.
4. Hatem Ben Arfa
The French striker suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg during a league game against Manchester City. After Nigel de Jong fouled, he was carried off the field on a stretcher and required oxygen. Ben Arfa recovered in his hometown of Paris and at the Clairefontaine academy, before returning to action seven months later.
5. Luke Shaw
The England and Manchester United left-back broke his leg in a UEFA Champions League game against Dutch club PSV Eindhoven in 2015 while playing for the Red Devils' Old Trafford team.
6. Andre Gomes
Everton midfielder Andre Gomes suffered a horrific fracture and dislocation of his right ankle during a Premier League game against Tottenham. The Portuguese suffered a strong attack from Tottenham striker Heung-min Son. He returned to action after 112 days.
7. Henrik Larsson
Swedish legend Henrik Larsson broke his leg during a Champions League game for Celtic against French club Lyon in 1999. The injury kept him out of action for around seven months, but he returned fully fit and healed to continue leading the attack from Hoops.
8.James McCarthy
Former Everton midfielder McCarthy suffered this horrific injury during a league game against then EPL opponents West Brom in 2018. James tried to block a shot from Albion striker Salomon Rondon. Unfortunately, the force of the kick broke the tibia and fibula in the Irish international's right leg. McCarthy was sidelined for about a year before returning to the game. He currently plays for Celtic.
OTHER FOOTBALL PLAYERS WHO HAVE BROKE THEIR LEGS:
- Seamus coleman
- Marcin Wasilewski
- Oupa Ngulube
- Lautaro Cardoso
- Alan Smith
- Eduardo
- Nicolaj Agger
- Niels Kokmeijer
- Alf Inge Haaland
- About Diaby
- Kieron Dyer
- Luc Nilis
- Edgar Andrade
- Gregory Coupet
- David Busst.
