5 footballers who played with serious medical conditions

We have already discussed the 5 world-class talents who have suffered from some of the most painful medical conditions and have still delivered as football players.

The likes of David Beckham, who suffered from Asthma, Edgar Davids who still battles with Glaucoma and Petr Cech who continues to make saves with a fractured skull, we have seen them all. However, that is not it, as we have uncovered 5 more talents who have played with some of the most life-threatening medical conditions there are.

Read: 5 footballers who have played with serious medical conditions| Part -1

Above all the shortcomings, they have given it their all and have made sure that the fans get what they truly want, after all, battling diseases and playing football at the same time is something that is extremely difficult.

Here are 5 footballers who have played with some of the most serious medical conditions.

#5 Tim Howard - Tourette Syndrome

Colorado Rapids goalkeeper has faced one of the most complicated nervous disorders.

While many aren't aware, Tourette Syndrome is a disorder in which the nervous system is affected and the person performs involuntary movements such as repetitions and sounds. Certainly, the former Everton legend has had a tough time dealing with this particular syndrome throughout his childhood and is still dealing with it.

The most capped goalkeeper of the United States football team is regarded as one of the most underrated goalkeepers of the modern era, noticeably playing for the Toffees in the Premier League. A lesser-known fact about the American is that he has suffered from both the Tourette Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) throughout his career, and has written in detail in his biography, describing how the syndrome has affected a few matches that he has played.

“It happens all the time, without any warning, and it increases the nearer an important game draws,” he said. “It always occurs more when I am particularly nervous.” - Howard in an interview with Spiegel Online.

However, Howard has shown the methods of keeping it under control, as it has no particular cure.

#4 Ruben de la Red - Heart condition

The Real Madrid talent retired due to a rare heart condition

One of the most promising talents of the modern era, the Spaniard is considered as one of the most 'unfortunate' players in the world, as his career came down to a shocking halt after he was discovered with having a rare heart disease that caused a cardiac arrest in 2008.

While playing for Getafe, Ruben made a name for himself as one of the most promising players of the league and was immediately signed by Real Madrid in 2007. He was being considered as the 'next big thing', and was ready to contribute to the club's history. However, upon his return to the Real Madrid side, he suffered an attack.

In a match against Real Union in a Spanish Cup game, Ruben collapsed shortly after the second half whistle. He was stretchered to the dressing room, where he regained consciousness. It was later announced that the midfielder would be set to miss the rest of the season.

However, upon his full recovery, he was set to make a return, but it was later discovered that his heart problems were far more fatal and the chances of another cardiac arrest were extremely high. Ruben de la Red retired in 2010.

#3 Lucas Silva - Rare Heart Condition

Silva suffered from a heart condition known as cardiac arrhythmia

After failing the medical test at Sporting Lisbon with a condition known as cardiac arrhythmia, Lucas Silva's career came down to a halt and was forced to sit up on the bench for most of the time. However, upon his return to Real Madrid, he was sent to Ligue 1, where he played for Marseille and later to the Brazilian side Cruzeiro.

Silva was yet another promising player, whose talents exceeded far beyond the expectations of both the managers and the players. He was discovered with this condition extremely late in his career but was known to have been carrying it for a very long time. However, his will to recover and return to his side was extremely high. Upon his full recovery, he didn't play directly for Los Blancos, as he made moves to France and later Brazil.

Though he is fit to play, the heart disease still persists.

#2 Nacho - Type-1 Diabetes

The Real Madrid full-back has suffered from type-1 diabetes since childhood

The Spaniard was a part of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and has been an extremely important player for Real Madrid, contributing to all 4 of their Champions League titles since 2014. He has the ability to play on either side of the full-back position and is known to have gained this ability while he was being coached under Zinedine Zidane.

However, a lesser known fact about the 28-year-old is that he has been diabetic since his childhood days, and was told that his days as a football player were over. However, after visiting a much more accomplished specialist, he found that football would play an extremely important role in the management of his condition.

Since then, Nacho has been able to manage the impact of diabetes and has credited football as his 'savior'. However, he has also mentioned that it has been extremely difficult for him as he has to take care of himself three times more than what normal people would do for themselves.

#1 Darren Fletcher - Bowel Syndrome

Fletcher suffered an extremely gruesome condition

He may have not been a regular player in his early days at the Old Trafford, but Fletcher later found his breakthrough when he became a regular inclusion under Sir Alex Ferguson. With 5 Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a Football League Cup, 4 FA Community Shields, a FIFA Club World Cup, and a UEFA Champions League title, Fletcher is easily one of the most prolific players for Manchester United.

However, it was noticed that Fletcher didn't quite play as many games as he was supposed to. The lack of game time was a reflection of a rare bowel disease known as ulcerative colitis, where there is an inflammation in the intestines. In the beginning, only Sir Alex knew about it, as Fletcher had to make up stories in order to escape the speculations.

"Anywhere between 10 and 30 times a day without much time to get there, losing a lot of blood in the process as well…," as 30-year-old Fletcher described it.

After 3 consecutive surgeries, Fletcher was good to go, but he wasn't at 100%, as the symptoms returned in 2010, and his career slowly came to an end.

Read: 5 footballers who have played with serious medical conditions| Part -1