13. Petr Cech (2006)
Cech was one of the Premier League’s best keepers during his time with Chelsea. For many seasons he cut a distinctive figure on the playing field because he wore a rugby scrum cap to protect his head. Chelsea played Reading in 2006 when Cech’s life changed forever. As he went out to claim the ball, Reading’s Stephen Hunt came hurtling toward him.

The Irishman didn’t pull out of the tackle and collided with Cech. It wasn’t intentional, but it left the goalkeeper with a career-threatening injury due to a fractured skull. Afterward, medics confirmed that the injury was life-threatening. They also said Cech was lucky not to have suffered permanent brain damage. This was one of the worst health scares on a soccer field in recent history.