Footballers live fast both on and off the field, and sometimes, that speed translates to real-life risks on the road. While these stars are known for their incredible skills with a ball, they’ve also made headlines for surviving harrowing car accidents that could have ended their careers—or worse, their lives. Let’s dive into the untold stories of top footballers who were involved in car accidents, many of which remain shocking to this day.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – The Bentley Crash
Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his lavish lifestyle and his love for expensive cars. In 2009, the then-Manchester United forward crashed his Ferrari 599 GTB into a roadside barrier in a tunnel near Manchester Airport. Miraculously, Ronaldo walked away without a scratch, but the £200,000 Ferrari was left in ruins. Despite the severity of the crash, Ronaldo’s form on the pitch remained as flawless as ever, but the incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life.
2. Thiago Silva – A Near-Fatal Accident in Brazil
Brazilian defender Thiago Silva narrowly escaped a potentially fatal car crash in 2005. Silva, who was playing for Juventude at the time, was involved in a serious collision in Rio de Janeiro. While the crash left his car severely damaged, Silva managed to escape with minor injuries. This close call came before Silva’s rise to stardom at clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, and he has since been more cautious on the road, aware of how easily things could have turned out differently.
3. Cesc Fàbregas – A Minor Crash With Big Consequences
In 2017, Spanish midfielder Cesc Fàbregas was involved in a minor car accident in London while driving his Range Rover. Although no one was seriously hurt, the crash drew attention due to Fàbregas’ high-profile status. The midfielder, then playing for Chelsea, reportedly bumped into the back of a fellow driver’s vehicle during busy traffic. Though the accident wasn’t severe, it was a reminder of the pressures footballers face, even when they’re off the pitch.
4. Sergio Aguero – The Amsterdam Taxi Incident
Sergio Aguero, Manchester City’s legendary striker, had a terrifying accident in 2017 that could have ended his career. After attending a concert in Amsterdam, Aguero was on his way to the airport when the taxi he was riding in crashed into a pole. Aguero suffered broken ribs, and while the crash forced him to miss some games, the Argentine made a full recovery. Fans were stunned that he survived such a brutal accident without any long-term injuries, and it became a major story in the football world.
5. Wayne Rooney – A Scary Ride for the England Legend
In 2017, former England captain Wayne Rooney was involved in a minor car crash while driving home from a night out. Rooney’s Land Rover was hit by another vehicle, but fortunately, neither he nor the other driver sustained any injuries. This crash came during a tumultuous period in Rooney’s personal life, adding to the media frenzy that surrounded him. Despite this, the striker continued to perform on the field for Everton, showing that he could bounce back from both personal and physical challenges.
6. Neymar – A Highway Crash That Shook Fans
Neymar’s fancy car collection is as famous as his football skills, but in 2016, the Brazilian forward was involved in a crash on his way to Barcelona’s training ground. Neymar’s Ferrari 458 Spider spun out of control on a wet highway and crashed into a barrier. Luckily, Neymar walked away unscathed, though his car was severely damaged. The timing of the crash, just before a crucial La Liga match against Real Sociedad, left fans worried, but Neymar went on to play and help his team secure a vital victory.
7. Arturo Vidal – Drunk Driving in Chile
In one of the most controversial incidents on this list, Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal was involved in a car crash during the 2015 Copa America. Vidal, driving a Ferrari, crashed on a highway near Santiago while under the influence of alcohol. The accident left his car totaled, and he was briefly detained by police. Despite the legal trouble, Vidal was allowed to continue playing in the tournament, and Chile went on to win the Copa America. However, the crash tarnished his reputation and served as a cautionary tale about the consequences of reckless behavior.
8. David Beckham – A Lucky Escape
Football icon David Beckham was involved in a terrifying crash in 2013 while driving his Audi in Los Angeles. Beckham was with his son Brooklyn when another car collided with them. Thankfully, both Beckham and his son walked away without injuries, but the incident left fans shaken, especially given Beckham’s status as one of the world’s most recognizable footballers. His calm demeanor in the aftermath only added to his reputation as a composed and unshakable public figure.
Why Do Footballers Get Involved in Car Accidents?
While the reasons for these accidents vary, there are a few common factors that contribute to the high number of footballers involved in car crashes:
- High-Speed Lifestyles: With access to luxury sports cars, many footballers enjoy driving fast, which can lead to accidents.
- Stress and Fatigue: The pressures of professional football can lead to fatigue and stress, which may impair driving abilities.
- Media Scrutiny: Footballers are often subject to intense media attention, and this stress can contribute to risky behavior both on and off the road.
Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call
The stories of these footballers serve as stark reminders of the dangers that come with fame, fortune, and fast cars. While they may be superstars on the pitch, they’re still human and face the same risks as anyone else on the road. Thankfully, most of these players were able to walk away from their accidents with their lives and careers intact, but their stories should serve as cautionary tales for others.
For fans, these incidents show that even the most invincible-seeming athletes are not immune to life’s dangers.
