Although soccer players have short careers compared to other athletes, some have had to give up the game early due to injuries of varying severity.
While some have been lucky enough to enjoy a career in flux with minor injury setbacks, others have not been so lucky.
Let’s take a look at five top soccer players who were forced to retire due to injury.
SERGIO AGUERO
Aguero was one of the best strikers of his generation. He was a key figure in Manchester City’s rise to the top, but left as their top scorer in 2021 to join Barcelona. He retired a few months later due to heart disease. His career has been plagued by injuries so far.
JACK WILSHERE
When he was nearly 30 years old, Wilshere announced his retirement from football. After graduating from Arsenal’s academy in his teens, he was sidelined by injury for most of his short career. His most memorable appearance was in the 2011 Champions League game against Barcelona. He put in an incredible performance and helped the Gunners to his 2-1 win over Barça.
MARCO VAN BASTEN
Another injured was Marco van Basten. This famous Dutch soccer player retired in 1995 at the age of 28, missing two seasons due to an ankle injury. He helped AC Milan win three Serie A championships and led his country to victory in the 1988 European Championship.
OWEN HARGREAVES
Hargreaves rose to fame after helping Germany’s Bayern Munich win the Champions League in 2011. He left the team in 2007 and joined Manchester United. He won the Premier League and Champions League in the 2007-08 season, but a knee injury forced him to retire in 2012.
RONALDO
One of the greatest soccer players of all time, Ronaldo Nazario has influenced generations. He led Brazil to victory in the FIFA World Cup in 2002. He won two Ballon d’Or awards for his great performances with Inter Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid, but his career was hampered by persistent knee problems. If not for the injury, he would have accomplished much more. He retired in 2011 at the age of 34.
