*Undated
Football is indeed quite a physical sport given how unfortunately matches can sometimes be ravaged with nasty injuries. However some footballers have shown their tough side by still pushing on even while nursing serious injuries, all for the love of the game.
Here is a list of top footballers who simply couldn't miss out but had to play on with injuries.
5. Edgar Davids - Glaucoma
One of the most recognizable footballers of his generation, Davids is often regarded as one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his era.
A noticeable factor is that the former Juventus legend was seen wearing glasses almost all the time while he was playing.
This was due to a medical condition called Glaucoma, where the optic nerve in the eye gets damaged due to genetic or other reasons, limiting vision. The condition has no particular cure and can only be controlled.Still, Davids, managed to play most of his career.
4. David de Gea - Myopia
A strange fact is that De Gea has worn glasses almost all his life. After further tests done by Manchester United Optometrist, it was proven that De Gea had vision issues.
However, Sir Alex Ferguson didn't want to take any chances and booked the Spanish goalkeeper for a laser surgery in the summer of 2012.
Since then, De Gea has only become better and has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world.
3. Paul Scholes - Blocked vein in the right eye.
The greatest surprise, though, is the fact that Scholes played a part of his career with one bad eye.
After consulting several doctors, Scholes was diagnosed with a blocked vein, which caused internal bleeding in his right eye.
He underwent a surgery that required more than ten sessions due to the complexity of nerves in the eye.Scholes returned in 2006 after six months and participated in one of the greatest seasons in the history of Manchester United.
2. Petr Cech - Head injury
We all remember the famous Chelsea vs. Reading match way back in 2006, wherein the very first minute, Cech collided with Reading's Stephen Hunt, a collision that was so brutal it wasn't shown on TV.
However, this wasn't the end, as Cech was diagnosed with a 3rd-degree skull fracture, and the doctors were saying that it could prematurely end his career.
With a hugely successful surgery, Cech returned after four months and started playing for Chelsea, putting on the famous rugby-style head guard, making him one of the most recognizable players in the world.
His skull fracture was healed, but there have been some damages to the surface, as this is the reason why Cech still wears the helmet and also that another blow can cause more problems such as permanent concussions and brain damage.
1. David Beckham - Asthma
Beckham was on top when it came to fitness, but a lesser-known fact about the former England captain is that he is asthmatic.
Back in 2009, Beckham was spotted using an inhaler against Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup final during his stint with LA Galaxy.
The midfielder's spokesperson Simon Oliveira mentioned that he had this condition since childhood. Indeed, Beckham never showed any signs of asthma throughout his career, as his diet plays a vital role in his asthma management.