5 Football players who had to retire prematurely due to health problems

Lucas Silva’s career might well be over

In the modern age, injuries are considered as an inevitable element of any sport. But when the game is being played at a frantic pace with 22 physically built players vying for one ball, you should expect numerous broken jaws, fractured ribs, and wounded heads. But the fact of the matter is that more serious injuries have materialized on the field of football not just by the physical competitiveness among players but also by the athleticism of footballers who in pursuit of giving their 100 percent on the field, often end up aggravating basic health issues.

With the news of Real Madrid starlet Lucas Silva's failed medical at Sporting due to a rare heart condition breaking out in the media which could force the youngster who is all of 22 to retire from the sport, It really makes us wonder "what could've been" if such talented players had not suffered from health problems at a tender age.

There have been numerous instances when common health problems have proven more than ordinary hick ups and have ended up costing players their careers. Here are 5 football players who have been a victim to health issues and injuries in their career.

#1 Ruben de la Red

De la Red’s fledgling career was was stalled at the age of 25

Ruben de la Red was once a promising youngster coming through the ranks for Real Madrid turning heads with his performances for both club and country. But fate dealt a cruel blow and halted his progress as a footballer.

During his time with Los Blancos, Ruben collapsed on the pitch in a Copa del Rey match versus Real Union. Further medical examinations confirmed the presence of a rare heart condition keeping the midfielder out of action for  2 years.

Despite the major setback, Ruben was always optimistic of a return to the game. But it was not meant to be. De la Red, who earned three full international caps for Spain during his short career in addition to 65 appearances at the club level for both Real Madrid and Getafe had to retire aged just 25. 

Post retirement the club offered him a role which would help him hone his coaching skills by working with one of the youth teams at the club and help players progress through the ranks at Castilla.