The Strangest Football Injuries: When Off-Field Mishaps Sideline the Stars
The Strangest Football Injuries: When Off-Field Mishaps Sideline the Stars
Football is a physically demanding sport, but sometimes the most unexpected football injuries happen far from the pitch. From household accidents to bizarre mishaps, even top players have fallen victim to some head-scratching incidents. Let’s dive into the most ridiculous injuries involving football stars like Rio Ferdinand, Ever Banega, and more.
Rio Ferdinand – TV Marathon Gone Wrong
Rio Ferdinand, known for his world-class defensive skills, once found himself sidelined after a bizarre accident. While enjoying a marathon TV session with his feet up, Ferdinand strained a tendon in his knee apparently whilst trying to reach the remote control. What started as a relaxing evening turned into several weeks of rehabilitation due to this unusual football injury.
Ever Banega – Car Trouble
Argentine midfielder Ever Banega will always be remembered for his self-inflicted football injury at a gas station. Forgetting to set the handbrake, his car rolled backward, trapping his leg under the wheel and leaving him with a broken leg. A painful reminder to always check your brakes!
Dave Beasant – Mayonnaise Mayhem
Goalkeeper Dave Beasant sustained a ridiculous football injury while reaching for a jar of mayonnaise at home. He accidentally dropped it, and in an attempt to catch it, the glass shattered, causing him to sever a tendon in his foot. This absurd mishap kept him off the field for an extended period at the start of the 1993/94 season.
Sven Grondalen – Moose Encounter
Norwegian defender Sven Grondalen took outdoor training to the extreme. During a jog, he collided with a moose in the forest. The encounter left him with injuries that kept him from playing for Norway in an international match, showcasing how unpredictable football injuries can be.
Steve Morrow – Trophy Trouble
Steve Morrow’s injury came during a celebration. After Arsenal's 1993 League Cup win, teammate Tony Adams lifted him in the air, only to accidentally drop him. Morrow fell awkwardly, breaking his collarbone—an unforgettable accident during what should’ve been a joyous occasion.
Darren Barnard – Puppy Slip-Up
Welsh midfielder Darren Barnard's injury sounds too absurd to be true. After slipping on a puddle of his puppy's urine in his kitchen, Barnard tore knee ligaments, sidelining him for five months. Man’s best friend certainly didn’t help in this case!
Footballers are no strangers to physical pain, but these off-the-pitch football injuries show that even the most unlikely situations can knock a player out of action. Whether it’s slipping on puppy puddles or a moose attack, these stories prove that you don’t always need an opponent to get hurt in football!