Aaron Ramsey’s career remains one of remarkable achievements, yet the lingering shadow of his leg break at 18 casts a pall over what could have been an even more illustrious journey.
For all his triumphs—a starring role in Arsenal’s FA Cup successes, captaining Wales to international milestones, and gracing the pitches of Serie A—there exists a tantalising “what if?” about a player whose trajectory was irrevocably altered by a horrific injury and its cascading aftermath.
Arsenal's Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey holds the FA Cup trophy as Arsenal players celebrate their victory over Chelsea on the pitch after the English FA Cup final football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley stadium in London on May 27, 2017. Aaron Ramsey scored a 79th-minute header to earn Arsenal a stunning 2-1 win over Double-chasing Chelsea on Saturday and deliver embattled manager Arsene Wenger a record seventh FA Cup. / AFP PHOTO / Ian KINGTON / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo credit IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images
The incident that changed everything
In February 2010, Ramsey suffered a compound fracture to his tibia and fibula in a ‘challenge’ with Ryan Shawcross during Arsenal’s Premier League match against Stoke City. The injury was devastating not only for its immediate physical toll but also for its long-term ramifications.
At 18, Ramsey was widely considered one of Europe’s most exciting young talents, having already broken into Arsenal’s first team and the Welsh national side. He possessed a blend of technical skill, tactical awareness, and an uncanny ability to time his late runs into the box—qualities that evoked comparisons to some of football’s most accomplished box-to-box midfielders.
NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 18: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal recieves treatment for an injury during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg match between S.S.C. Napoli and Arsenal at Stadio San Paolo on April 18, 2019 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Ramsey’s injury sidelined him for nearly a year, during which time Arsenal’s midfield dynamics evolved. Younger players often struggle to re-establish their roles after such setbacks. While he eventually returned, his development had been derailed, and his body would never fully recover from the trauma.
The ripple effect of physical limitations
Even after Ramsey’s return to football, the long-term impact of the injury was evident in his recurring muscular problems. Injuries to his hamstring, calf, and groin became a constant theme throughout his career, limiting his ability to maintain form and momentum.
This pattern of setbacks impeded Ramsey’s ability to achieve the level of physical consistency required to reach his peak potential.
Arsenal's Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey scores their third goal with this flick during the UEFA Europa League first leg quarter-final football match between Arsenal and CSKA Moscow at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 5, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / IKIMAGES / Ian KINGTON
AFP PHOTO / IKIMAGES / Ian KINGTON
Physiological studies have long demonstrated how a traumatic injury like Ramsey’s can disrupt neuromuscular patterns, leading to compensatory movements that increase the risk of soft tissue injuries.
For Ramsey, these subsequent issues created a vicious cycle. Just as he appeared to regain his rhythm, another setback would sideline him, undermining his confidence and limiting his contribution on the pitch.
The Ramsey that could have been
Ramsey’s post-injury career was still highly successful, but the “what if?” scenario paints a picture of a player who could have achieved even greater heights.
Pre-injury, he had shown the potential to evolve into a hybrid of Steven Gerrard’s dynamism and Frank Lampard’s goalscoring prowess, with an additional layer of finesse.
His performances leading up to the injury suggested a player who might have commanded games at the highest level with relentless consistency.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere of Arsenal celebrate their win during the FA Community Shield match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
Without the leg break and its knock-on effects, Ramsey might have become Arsenal’s long-term successor to Cesc Fàbregas—a midfielder capable of dictating tempo, scoring double-digit goals per season, and leading the team to silverware.
In Europe, he could have been the linchpin of an elite midfield, shaping games in the Champions League knockout stages and potentially attracting the attention of football’s superclubs earlier in his career.
For Wales, Ramsey’s contributions were already monumental, especially in the nation’s historic run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016. However, a fully fit Ramsey might have transformed Wales into a more consistent force in international football, perhaps even elevating their fortunes in subsequent tournaments.
aaron ramsey fa cup final
(IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)
A legacy shaped by resilience
While Ramsey’s career might have been curtailed by his injury woes, his ability to achieve so much despite these obstacles speaks volumes about his resilience and professionalism. He delivered moments of brilliance, such as his iconic FA Cup-winning goals for Arsenal and his playmaking displays for Wales, proving his ability to rise above adversity.
Nonetheless, the injury casts a long shadow. Football fans can only imagine what Ramsey might have achieved had his career unfolded uninterrupted by the brutal reality of Tony Pulis’s approach to football.
His story is a poignant reminder of the fine margins that separate potential from realisation and how even the brightest stars are at the mercy of fate.
Turning 34 on Boxing Day, Aaron Ramsey returned to Cardiff City in the summer of 2023.
He has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since September and has played just 17 games for them.
Ahead of this weekend’s fixtures, his manager, Omer Riza, said that his return is a “long way off”.
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