Football is a physically demanding sport that requires a lot of stamina, strength, and skill. However, it also exposes players to various risks of injury that can affect their performance and career.
Therefore, injury prevention is crucial for football players who want to maintain their fitness and form. Here are some of the players with the fewest injuries in football.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
The legendary Portuguese superstar is regarded as one of the greatest ever to play the game.
He has received four European Golden Shoes and five Ballon d’Or awards. He has scored over 800 goals for both club and country.
Ronaldo has an incredible injury record, having missed only 61 games due to injury since July 2008, despite playing at the highest level for more than a decade.
He maintains his fitness by following a rigorous training regime that includes cardio exercises, weight lifting, and pilates.
2. Lionel Messi
Many consider the Argentine maestro to be the greatest player ever. He has taken home six European Golden Shoes and seven Ballon d’Or honours.
He has scored more than 700 goals for his club and country. Messi has a relatively low injury rate compared to other players of his caliber, having missed only 113 games due to injury in his professional career.
He prevents injuries by taking care of his nutrition, including supplements such as vitamins C and D and omega-3 fatty acids to boost his immune system and reduce inflammation.
He also does preventive exercises such as stretching and massage therapy to relax his muscles.
3. Gary Neville
The former Manchester United right-back was known for his durability and consistency on the pitch.
Neville played for United for 19 seasons and only suffered 15 injuries. He was rarely sidelined for more than a few weeks at a time and was a key player for both club and country. He attributes his fitness to his strict diet and discipline.
4. Paolo Maldini
The legendary Italian defender is one of the greatest players to have ever played the game, and he was also one of the fittest.
Maldini played for AC Milan for 25 years and rarely missed a game due to injury.
He only suffered 35 injuries in his entire career, which is an incredible feat considering he played over 900 games in the physically demanding Italian league.
5. Javier Zanetti
The great Argentine defender is another player known for his fitness and durability.
Zanetti played for Inter Milan for 19 seasons and only suffered 17 injuries throughout his entire career. He was a key player for Inter and also captained the side for many years.
Zanetti was famous for his strict discipline and work ethic on and off the field, which made him resistant to injuries.
These players prove that it is possible to have a long and successful career in football without suffering too many injuries.
While injuries are a part of the game, some players can avoid them through careful training, diet, and lifestyle choices.
Their dedication and commitment to the sport have made them some of the greatest players in history.
6. Thomas Muller
Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller is one of few players rarely injured.
The attacking midfielder has been outstanding for the Bavarians since his professional debut for the senior team.
Since then, Muller has been involved in most games involving the team due to his injury record.
He rarely gets injured and usually makes a quick recovery, and makes it back to the first team on time.
7. Iñaki Williams
Iñaki Williams is one of the few players that rarely gets injured. The Spanish footballers, due to his consistency, made him one of the few players to have played the most consecutive games in Spanish La Liga.
Williams played 251 consecutive games in the Spanish La Liga for Athletic Club.