The 11 Most Injury-Plagued Footballers in Modern History
Injuries are part and parcel of football, but some players have endured more than their fair share of misfortune. From careers cut short to potential left unrealized, these 11 footballers have spent thousands of days on the sidelines. Here's a look at the most injury-hit stars in modern football, counting down from No. 11 to No. 1.
11. Holger Badstuber – 1305 Days Injured, 212 Games Missed
Holger Badstuber's career was quietly devastated by injury after showing early promise at Bayern Munich. With 22 different injuries keeping him out for 1305 days, the German defender never quite fulfilled the potential he showed as a youth international.
10. Ronaldo Nazario – 1324 Days Injured, 159 Games Missed
Despite being one of football’s most iconic strikers, Ronaldo Nazario's career was marred by serious long-term injuries. Famously, one of his knee injuries was so severe his kneecap “exploded,” costing him months of recovery and untold missed opportunities.
9. Franck Ribery – 1363 Days Injured, 227 Games Missed
Franck Ribery’s electrifying pace and skill lit up European football, but injuries were a constant obstacle. With 72 different injuries over his career, he spent over three and a half years off the pitch, ultimately forcing him to retire in 2022 at the age of 39.
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8. Thomas Vermaelen – 1366 Days Injured, 267 Games Missed
Thomas Vermaelen's move to Barcelona was questioned due to his troubling injury record—and rightly so. The Belgian defender missed 267 games due to 35 separate injuries, an unfortunate trend that followed him through Arsenal, Barcelona, and beyond.
7. Vincent Kompany – 1419 Days Injured, 176 Games Missed
A leader at Manchester City and now Bayern Munich’s manager, Vincent Kompany’s playing days were hampered by recurring calf and shin issues. Though he enjoyed a decorated career, he rarely played full seasons, especially during his final years at City.
6. Marco Reus – 1421 Days Injured, 172 Games Missed
Borussia Dortmund legend Marco Reus holds the unfortunate distinction of suffering 73 injuries—more than anyone else on this list. His long absences often coincided with Dortmund’s biggest games, and his ongoing fitness issues even led him to relinquish the club captaincy in 2023.
5. Jack Wilshere – 1470 Days Injured, 214 Games Missed
Once England’s next great midfielder, Jack Wilshere’s potential was tragically curtailed by injury. Aged just 30 when he retired, Wilshere’s career became more about time spent in rehab than on the pitch, despite flashes of brilliance like his iconic display against Barcelona.
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4. Arjen Robben – 1507 Days Injured, 243 Games Missed
Arjen Robben’s trademark move—cutting inside to curl one into the top corner—became legendary, but so did his injuries. The Dutch winger missed nearly 250 games, yet still managed to shine for Chelsea and Bayern Munich, including scoring the winner in the 2013 Champions League final.
3. Neymar Jr – 1512 Days Injured, 277 Games Missed
Neymar’s story is perhaps the biggest “what if” of modern football. Despite winning major trophies and lighting up Barcelona, PSG, and Brazil, injuries have kept him off the field for 277 games—more than anyone else on this list—just as he was poised to dominate the sport.
2. Stevan Jovetic – 1524 Days Injured, 214 Games Missed
Stevan Jovetic has had a quietly tragic career in terms of fitness, plagued by 35 different injuries. From Manchester City to Olympiacos and now Omonia Nicosia, his time in football has been a constant battle with setbacks, even as he continues playing into his mid-30s.
1. Abou Diaby – 1747 Days Injured, 314 Games Missed
No player has endured worse luck than Abou Diaby, whose promising career was derailed by a horror tackle early in his Arsenal days. With over 1700 days lost to injury and 314 games missed, Diaby’s name is forever linked with unfulfilled talent and a body that simply couldn’t keep up.
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