5 footballers whose careers ended prematurely due to serious injuries

Luc Nilis
Luc Nilis

#3 Jim Beglin

Liverpool League Division One Champions 1988
Liverpool League Division One Champions 1988

A highly-rated left-back, Jim Beglin began his career with Shamrock Rovers in 1980, and moved to Liverpool in 1983.

At Liverpool, Beglin was a regular at left-back, and won the Football League First Division and the FA Cup with the club. The Republic of Ireland international suffered a horrible leg injury in a game against Everton in the League Cup in 1987, followed by a serious knee injury that effectively ended his Liverpool career.

Beglin joined Leeds United in 1989, but was forced into retirement due to his injury issues. The former Blackburn Rovers man is now a reputed commentator whose media work is well-renowned.


#2 David Busst

David Busst started his career with Moor Green before joining Coventry City in 1992.

He made 50 appearances in the league. Busst suffered one of the worst injuries in the history of the Premier League when he collided with Manchester United players Denis Irwin and Brian McClair, resulting in compound fractures on his right leg.

The gravity of his injury was such that there was talk about amputation. Busst retired from playing in 1996, after enduring 22 operations. After his retirement, the Englishman spent some time with Coventry City's backroom staff.


#1 Alf-Inge Haaland

A versatile player capable of operating in defense and in midfield, Alf-Inge Haaland made appearances for clubs like Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Manchester City during his career.

In 2001, Haaland's Manchester City were facing Manchester United. A violent tackle from Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane on Haaland's right knee did a lot of damage. The Norway international, who did not enjoy a good relationship with Keane even before the incident, was unable to recover from this tackle and eventually retired in 2003.

His son, Erling, is now regarded as one of the best young players in world football. He has been linked with both Manchester United and Manchester City, and Alf-Inge's opinion will surely play a crucial role in Erling's next destination.


Also Read: 5 Real Madrid legends who had untimely departures from the club

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