Football Players Stretchered Off Due to Serious Injuries in 2024-2026 Matches

At least 7 football players were stretchered off the field due to serious injuries between June 2024 and February 2026. This is a significant number of worrying incidents.
By Newsroom | Sports, Football |

Troubling Moments on the Field

Recent events in football have highlighted the risks players face. Several matches have been stopped due to serious injuries, with players needing immediate medical attention, including being stretchered off and, in some cases, given oxygen. These incidents, often described as "worrying scenes," have caused distress to teammates, fans, and coaches. The need for quick and effective medical response is clear when players suffer injuries that prevent them from continuing.

Overview of Reported Incidents

Over the past few years, multiple football players have experienced significant injuries during matches, leading to disruptions and concern. These instances span various leagues and competitions, affecting both established stars and developing talents. The common thread in these reports is the visible distress and the need for immediate medical intervention.

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  • Wataru Endo (Liverpool): Suffered a serious ankle problem, was stretchered off, and received oxygen on the pitch in February 2026.

  • Joe Willock (Newcastle): Was carried off on a stretcher during a pre-season friendly in South Korea in July 2025.

  • Konstantinos Mavropanos (West Ham United): Received lengthy medical treatment for a head injury after colliding with a defender's knee and was stretchered off in an FA Cup tie in January 2026.

  • Ben Gannon-Doak (Former Liverpool, Bournemouth): Went down clutching his hamstring and was stretchered off during a Scotland World Cup qualifier in November 2025.

  • Varga (Hungary): Was shielded, treated with oxygen, and stretchered off after a collision that appeared to knock him unconscious during a Euro 2024 match in June 2024.

  • Jaden Ivey (Detroit Pistons, NBA): Suffered a serious leg injury and was stretchered off the court in January 2025.

  • Jay Stansfield (Birmingham): Was carried off on a stretcher during a cup tie in February 2025, with a significant amount of added time being played due to his injury.

| Player | Team | Approximate Date | Injury Type | Treatment Received | Status || :————————— | :——————————- | :———————- | :————————— | :——————————————————- | :—————- || Wataru Endo | Liverpool | Feb 2026 | Apparent Ankle | Stretchered, Oxygen | Stretchered || Joe Willock | Newcastle | Jul 2025 | Unspecified | Stretchered | Stretchered || Konstantinos Mavropanos | West Ham United | Jan 2026 | Head Injury | Lengthy Treatment, Stretchered | Stretchered || Ben Gannon-Doak | Bournemouth | Nov 2025 | Hamstring | Stretchered | Stretchered || Varga | Hungary | Jun 2024 | Apparent Head/Concussion | Shielded, Oxygen, Stretchered | Stretchered || Jaden Ivey | Detroit Pistons (NBA) | Jan 2025 | Leg Injury | Stretchered | Stretchered || Jay Stansfield | Birmingham | Feb 2025 | Unspecified (Severe Pain) | Stretchered | Stretchered |

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Note: Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham) was reportedly knocked unconscious in August 2024 but was "up and talking" post-match, indicating a different level of immediate medical intervention compared to those stretchered off.

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Player Welfare Under Scrutiny

These incidents raise questions about player safety and the physical demands placed upon athletes. The recurring descriptions of "worrying scenes" and visible distress suggest that while medical teams are present and responding, the severity of some injuries is deeply concerning. The sight of players receiving oxygen on the pitch or being carried off in tears underscores the intense physical nature of professional sports and the potential for severe harm.

Impact on Teams and Performances

Injuries to key players can have a significant impact on team performance and morale. In several reported cases, teams had to make immediate substitutions, often bringing on players who themselves may have recently recovered from injury. The ongoing injury lists mentioned in relation to teams like Liverpool and Newcastle highlight the cumulative effect these incidents can have on squad depth and tactical planning. The disruption to a match itself, with lengthy stoppages for medical treatment, also affects the flow and intensity of play.

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Medical Response and Immediate Care

The medical protocols followed in these situations appear to be consistent with established practices for serious injuries. Players receive immediate attention on the field, with on-site medical staff assessing the situation and administering necessary care, such as oxygen or stabilization. The use of stretchers is a standard procedure for players who are unable to walk off the field, ensuring their safe removal for further evaluation. The shielding of players during treatment, as seen in the Varga incident, suggests a consideration for player privacy during vulnerable moments.

Ongoing Concerns for Player Health

While football is a sport with inherent physical risks, the frequency and severity of these injuries warrant continued attention. The evidence suggests that while immediate medical care is provided, the long-term well-being of players must remain a primary focus. Understanding the causes of these injuries, whether through collisions, overexertion, or other factors, could inform preventative measures. The reporting of these events serves as a reminder of the human element in sports and the importance of robust player welfare systems.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which football players were stretchered off with serious injuries between June 2024 and February 2026?
Between June 2024 and February 2026, several football players were stretchered off due to serious injuries. These include Varga (Hungary) in June 2024, Jaden Ivey (NBA) in January 2025, Jay Stansfield (Birmingham) in February 2025, Joe Willock (Newcastle) in July 2025, Ben Gannon-Doak in November 2025, and Wataru Endo (Liverpool) and Konstantinos Mavropanos (West Ham United) in early 2026.
Q: What kind of injuries caused players like Wataru Endo and Konstantinos Mavropanos to be stretchered off?
Wataru Endo was stretchered off with an apparent ankle problem in February 2026, receiving oxygen. Konstantinos Mavropanos suffered a head injury after a collision and was stretchered off in January 2026 after lengthy treatment.
Q: Why was Hungary's Varga stretchered off during a Euro 2024 match in June 2024?
Hungary's Varga was stretchered off during a Euro 2024 match in June 2024 after a collision that appeared to knock him unconscious. He was shielded by teammates and given oxygen before being taken off the field.
Q: How do these injuries affect football teams and their performances?
Serious injuries to key players force teams to make immediate substitutions, often impacting their performance and morale. Long injury lists can also affect squad depth and tactical plans, and lengthy stoppages for treatment disrupt the game's flow.
Q: What is the immediate medical response when a player suffers a serious injury on the field?
When a player suffers a serious injury, medical teams provide immediate attention on the field. They assess the situation, administer care like oxygen if needed, and use stretchers to safely remove players who cannot walk off the pitch for further evaluation.