An ACL injury can end a player’s career or become just another unpleasant bump in his road to greatness.
An ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury is arguably one of the most dreaded and devastating setbacks a footballer can face in their career. This injury has the potential to derail even the most promising players, not only affecting their physical abilities but also their mental and emotional well-being.
In this article, we’ll take a look at five players who made impressive comebacks from their respective ACL injuries.
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Ruud van Nistelrooy, the prolific Dutch striker, faced a career-threatening ACL injury just days before his eagerly awaited move to Manchester United in 2000. The injury kept him sidelined for a year, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s faith in him was rewarded as Van Nistelrooy went on to score 150 goals in 219 games for the club. His success extended to stints at Real Madrid, Hamburg, and Malaga.
Roy Keane
Roy Keane, the legendary Manchester United midfielder, suffered an ACL injury during the 1997/98 season, causing him to miss most of the campaign. His absence played a role in the Red Devils losing the Premier League title to Arsenal. Despite not returning as the same box-to-box enforcer, Keane continued to be influential, leading the team to various trophies, including the 1998/99 treble.
Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer, one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers, tore his ACL during his debut season at Blackburn Rovers. Despite the setback, he made an incredible recovery, scoring 31 goals in just 40 matches the following season and earning the Football Writers’ Player of the Year award. He remains the Premier League’s all-time top scorer with 260 goals.
Alessandro Del Piero
Alessandro Del Piero, widely regarded as one of the world’s best attackers, suffered an ACL injury at the peak of his powers in 1998. He had helped Juventus lift the Serie A title and reach the Champions League final the previous season. During his year on the sidelines, Del Piero was sorely missed, but he adapted his playing style upon his return. He went on to have a successful career, playing well into his 40s and winning the 2006 World Cup with Italy.
Xavi
Xavi, the Barcelona legend, faced an ACL tear in 2006, which threatened to disrupt his illustrious career. He was expected to miss the remainder of the season and the 2006 World Cup. However, his resilience led to a remarkable recovery, and he made a quick return to the pitch. Xavi played over 50 games per season during his time with Barcelona and continued to be a key figure in their success.
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