Brutal Challenges That Shocked the Beautiful Game
Football is often called “the beautiful game,” but sometimes, the passion and intensity boil over, resulting in moments that leave fans horrified and careers hanging by a thread. Over the last two decades, some tackles have crossed the line from competitive to outright dangerous.
In this article, we rank the 10 worst football tackles of the 21st century, where reckless challenges resulted in gruesome injuries, global outrage, and unforgettable headlines.
10. Ryan Shawcross on Aaron Ramsey (2010)
Match: Stoke City vs. Arsenal (Premier League)
Date: February 27, 2010
Details: Ryan Shawcross’s late, high tackle on Arsenal’s young star Aaron Ramsey left the Welshman with a double leg fracture. The incident stunned players on the pitch, with Ramsey’s visibly deformed leg shocking fans worldwide. Shawcross left the field in tears after receiving a red card, but the damage was done Ramsey’s promising career suffered a significant setback.
9. Roy Keane on Alf-Inge Haaland (2001)
Match: Manchester United vs. Manchester City (Premier League Derby)
Date: April 21, 2001
Details: One of football’s most infamous revenge tackles, Roy Keane launched a brutal, knee-high assault on Alf-Inge Haaland. Years later, Keane admitted it was intentional, stemming from a long-standing feud. Haaland never fully recovered, and this incident remains a dark mark on the Premier League’s history.
8. Nigel de Jong on Xabi Alonso (2010 World Cup Final)
Match: Netherlands vs. Spain
Date: July 11, 2010
Details: In front of millions of viewers, Nigel de Jong delivered a shocking karate-style kick to Xabi Alonso’s chest. Amazingly, de Jong escaped with only a yellow card. Though Alonso managed to continue, the moment sparked outrage and debates over lenient refereeing in the World Cup Final.
7. Martin Taylor on Eduardo da Silva (2008)
Match: Birmingham City vs. Arsenal (Premier League)
Date: February 23, 2008
Details: A mistimed, studs-up lunge from Martin Taylor snapped Eduardo’s leg horrifically, leaving the Croatian striker with a dislocated ankle and open fracture. The sight of Eduardo’s twisted leg was so graphic, broadcasters quickly cut away. His career never fully reached its potential after the injury.
6. Benjamin Mendy on Jesus Navas (2014)
Match: Monaco vs. Sevilla (Pre-season Friendly)
Date: August 2014
Details: Pre-season friendlies are supposed to ease players back into competitive action, but Mendy’s reckless studs-up tackle on Navas was anything but friendly. The winger was lucky to avoid long-term damage, and Mendy faced heavy criticism for such a dangerous challenge in a low-stakes match.
5. Eric Abidal on Dani Alves (2006)
Match: Lyon vs. Sevilla (UEFA Champions League)
Date: October 2006
Details: Abidal, normally a composed defender, lost control with a two-footed airborne lunge on Dani Alves. Alves narrowly avoided serious injury, but the tackle sparked anger and debate about the safety of players in European competitions.
4. Pepe’s Rampage on Getafe Players (2009)
Match: Real Madrid vs. Getafe (La Liga)
Date: April 21, 2009
Details: Pepe lost his cool completely, first launching a two-footed tackle, then kicking a downed player twice, followed by punches in a shocking display of aggression. He was banned for 10 games, one of the longest suspensions in La Liga history. It remains a notorious moment in modern football.
3. Jose Enrique on Ryo Miyaichi (2012)
Match: Liverpool vs. Bolton (FA Cup)
Date: February 2012
Details: A reckless, high, studs-up tackle from Jose Enrique left young Ryo Miyaichi writhing in agony. The challenge was dangerous and completely unnecessary, drawing widespread criticism, even though it escaped heavy punishment at the time.
2. Thiago Mendes on Neymar (2020)
Match: PSG vs. Lyon (Ligue 1)
Date: December 13, 2020
Details: Neymar, already a frequent target for rough treatment, suffered a serious ankle injury after Mendes lunged in with a brutal scissor tackle. The Brazilian forward left the pitch in tears, and the moment reignited the debate on player protection in football.
1. Callum McManaman on Massadio Haïdara (2013)
Match: Wigan vs. Newcastle (Premier League)
Date: March 17, 2013
Details: This remains arguably the worst tackle of the 21st century. McManaman’s studs-first, knee-high challenge on Haïdara could have ended the young full-back’s career. To the outrage of fans and pundits, McManaman escaped punishment during the match due to the referee missing the incident. The FA’s disciplinary loophole meant no retrospective action could be taken, leaving Newcastle and neutral fans fuming.
