• The Magazine
  • Interviews
  • Current
  • Nostalgia
  • Legends
  • European
  • World
  • Log in
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • The Magazine
  • Interviews
  • Current
  • Nostalgia
  • Legends
  • European
  • World
  • Log in
  • Subscribe

Footballers who overcame the odds

Pink by Pink
May 20, 2016
in Latest, Stories
Footballers who overcame the odds

BY CRAIG MUNCEY

Everyone loves a feel good story, someone who has overcome the obstacles put in front of them and still achieved their dreams.

Image here http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/history/former-newcastle-united-striker-david-8167644
Image here http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/history/former-newcastle-united-striker-david-8167644

This article looks at individuals  who became professional footballers after being born with physical disadvantages; players who had one leg shorter than the other, such as Patrick Vieira, Darren Peacock, Paul Parker and David Kelly.  Some differences were more extreme than others: following a childhood illness, the supposed difference in the length of Kelly’s legs was a few inches, yet he still had a very good career playing for big clubs such as West Ham United and Newcastle United and for the Republic of Ireland in major international tournaments.

The legendary Brazilian footballer Garrincha famously conquered his physical impediment (amongst various other significant hurdles) after a childhood operation. He had a left leg that was distorted and pointed inwards and a right foot that was six centimetres shorter and bent inwards.  This hindrance did not stop Garrincha being one of the greatest wingers who ever laced up a pair of football boots, winning World Cup winners medals in 1958 and 1962.  In Chile in 1962, with Pele injured, Garrincha took on the mantle as the leader of the group, and individually won player of the tournament and the golden boot for top scorer in the competition.

Image here http://www.eurosport.fr/football/coupe-du-monde/2014/pele-accomplit-des-choses-qu-un-etre-humain-peut-accomplir-garrincha-vient-d-une-autre-planete_sto4310477/story.shtml
Image here http://www.eurosport.fr/football/coupe-du-monde/2014/pele-accomplit-des-choses-qu-un-etre-humain-peut-accomplir-garrincha-vient-d-une-autre-planete_sto4310477/story.shtml

Martin Jorgensen, the ex Danish international footballer, allegedly wore different size boots on either foot, which were two sizes apart – a significant difference. But this certainly did not affect his dribbling skills which were of the highest order throughout his career.

In terms of more medically serious ailments that players overcame from birth, there is the well known story of ex-Scotland international Asa Hartford. On the eve of a big move to Leeds United in 1971, a hole in his heart was identified during his medical.  Hartford, who went on to have a great career regardless,playing in two World Cup in 1978 and 1982, missed out on a move to Leeds, who at the time were a major player in both English and European football under Don Revie.

Image here http://www.worldsoccer.com/blogs/asa-hartford-356133
Image here http://www.worldsoccer.com/blogs/asa-hartford-356133

Loic Remy, the French international forward failed a medical at Liverpool due to a heart problem picked up in his examination.  Remy, was even due to inherit the famous number seven shirt at the Merseyside club after the sale of Luis Suarez.  The anomaly on the wall of the heart was picked up on a previous medical carried out on the player, when he moved from Nice to Marseille. However, Marseille – unlike Liverpool - were happy to proceed with the transfer, as were Chelsea, who hearing Liverpool’s reluctance, jumped in to capture the player’s services.  Showing that some medicals can vary from club to club, medical staff and physicians clearly have differing views on what ailments are less serious than others.

Stefan Markolf is a current professional playing in Germany.  Markolf, has ninety percent hearing loss and plays with special hearing aids. He is a central defender for KSV Baunatal in the fourth division of German football.  Damir Desnica, a professional footballer in what would now be called Croatia, was born completely deaf.  Desnica had a very good career in spite of this, the highlight being his sole cap for Yugoslavia in 1978 against Romania in a European Championship qualifier; he scored for his country in a 3-1 defeat.

Image here http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/merseyside-hardmen-liverpool-fc-legend-3433299
Image here http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/merseyside-hardmen-liverpool-fc-legend-3433299

Rodney Marsh was deaf in one ear following a collision with a goalpost, yet this did not stop the hugely gifted maverick having a great career for England, Queens Park Rangers and Manchester City amongst others.  Cliff Bastin, who played for Arsenal and England, was also deaf in one ear, as was Jimmy Case, who won a stack of honours for Liverpool in the 1970s.

All of these players have demonstrated that you can reach the top in football, even if genetics, fate and fortune conspire against your biggest asset – your body.

YOU CAN FOLLOW CRAIG ON TWITTER @Muncey05

Related Posts

RBC Heritage Odds
Latest

RBC Heritage Odds, Picks, Predictions, and Best Bets: Where to Bet on the PGA Tour Event

The Grand Slam events might get all the attention on the PGA Tour, but that doesn’t necessarily make them...

by Jamie Ingram
April 13, 2023
0
Latest

Mexican Open Tennis Betting Odds: Where to Bet on the 2023 ATP Acapulco Tennis Tournament

Tennis fans are in for a treat with the upcoming 2023 Mexican Open (ATP Acapulco) lineup. We’ve got a...

by Jamie Ingram
February 17, 2023
0
Latest

Best Greyhound Betting Sites in the UK – 9 UK Websites with the Most Competitive Greyhound Betting Odds

  Greyhound betting is as exciting as ever, only now it’s possible to do it with just a few...

by Jamie Ingram
May 5, 2023
0
Latest

NBA Playoff Odds, Pools, and Predictions: 2023 NBA Post Season Futures Odds

The playoff picture is starting to become apparent with the NBA season past the halfway point. All the best...

by Jamie Ingram
February 14, 2023
0
Load More
Next Post
Book review: Football by Jean-Philippe Toussaint

Book review: Football by Jean-Philippe Toussaint

belmont stack betting
Current

Belmont Stakes Betting Guide & Odds – How to Bet on the 2023 Belmont Stakes Online

by Jamie Ingram
May 30, 2023
0
0

For avid bettors and casual spectators alike, the Belmont Stakes race is one of the most anticipated events in the...

Read more
Canelo Alvarez Next Fight

Canelo Alvarez Next Fight Predictions: David Benavidez, Caleb Plant & Dmitry Bivol Rematch

May 29, 2023
0
indy 500 odds

Indy 500 Odds & Predictions: Who Will Win the 107th Spectacle in Racing 2023?

May 25, 2023
0
Preakness Stakes Betting

Preakness Stakes Betting: News, Odds, and Expert Predictions on the Race at Pimlico

May 19, 2023
0
Devin Haney vs Vasiliy Lomachenko - May 20

Devin Haney vs Vasiliy Lomachenko: Odds, Predictions, and Best Bets for the Upcoming Super Lightweight Title Fight

May 19, 2023
0
Menu
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Profile

© Copyright 2023 – Football Pink

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Profile

© Copyright 2022 - Ronnie Dog Media All Rights Reserved. Live Score

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Gmail
  • Print Friendly
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
  • Tumblr
 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.