In the world of football, one of the most feared injuries for any player is an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) rupture. It can derail careers, requiring extensive recovery time and often never allowing a player to return to their peak.
David Alaba’s long-awaited return to Real Madrid’s squad has hit a roadblock, as reports suggest that his knee injury recovery has not gone to plan.
The Austrian defender is facing severe discomfort due to reduced cartilage in his knee, causing bone-on-bone friction. These issues come after a ligament tear he suffered in December 2023.
This condition has left him unable to train at full intensity in Real Madrid training sessions and casts doubt on whether he can return to elite football at all.
As fans learned more about the specifics of Alaba’s injury, many drew comparisons to the career of Tottenham legend Ledley King, who endured a similarly devastating knee condition.
King’s injury, which began after a rough tackle by Rory Delap in 1999, led to progressive cartilage erosion. Despite undergoing several surgeries, King’s condition deteriorated, eventually forcing him into early retirement at age 31.
In King’s case, the damage to his knee started early in his career, and despite years of persistent pain, he pushed through to play at a high level. However, he later admitted that the pain never subsided, stating that for five years, there was no difference in the discomfort, even after multiple surgeries.
Both players suffer from a form of osteoarthritis, a condition where the cartilage in the knee joint wears away over time.
Without the cushioning effect of cartilage, the bones grind against each other, causing severe pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. This makes even everyday movements difficult, let alone performing in top-tier football matches.
Alaba’s situation mirrors King’s, though it has occurred later in his career. As his recovery continues to face setbacks, the same question lingers: can he ever return to his former best?
Unfortunately, Alaba and King are not the only footballers to be plagued by this type of injury. The legendary Italian striker Marco van Basten also had his career cut short by similar problems but in the knee.