Emiliano Martínez, 34, confirmed on 3 November 2026 that he competed in the most recent World Cup while playing with a broken finger. The goalkeeper stated, "I suffered an injury in the Europa League, went to the hospital, and discovered my finger was broken in two. I started crying because I wouldn't be able to participate in the World Cup. I decided with the national team doctor not to undergo surgery." He recalled, "My finger was twisted, so they put it back in place, and in the first few days, the situation was fine with the splint. I started playing like that, but I could only feel four fingers." A potential transfer to a major Italian club later failed after medical examinations revealed the permanent damage. Martínez noted, "If I had undergone surgery, my finger would have returned to its normal state, but now it will remain this way for life." The medical examinations conducted by the major Italian club confirmed that the injury was broken in two, necessitating surgery that Martínez had previously declined to pursue in order to compete in the tournament.
Prioritizing Team Over Health
Petr Čech participated in a match against Wigan Athletic in February 2013 while dealing with a broken little finger. The goalkeeper utilized a special splint and bandages to manage the injury during the competition. Petr Čech stated, "I made my final decision to participate in training. I was able to perform my duties well, even though my hand was throbbing with pain. The doctors left the decision to me, and I wore a special splint with bandages during the match, and that was all there was to it. They couldn't numb my finger because I needed to feel it so I could play properly." By opting to use the special splint during the match against Wigan Athletic, Čech managed to complete his professional duties despite the physical toll of the fracture.
André Ayew sustained a broken finger while playing for Fenerbahçe during a match against Trabzonspor in 2018. Despite the injury, he remained on the pitch and continued to compete for the club. The decision to remain in the match against Trabzonspor allowed him to continue his contributions to Fenerbahçe for the duration of the game.
Karim Benzema has maintained a bandaged right hand throughout his professional appearances since 13 January 2019. He suffered a finger fracture during a match against Real Betis that date, which necessitated the ongoing use of protective bandaging during his subsequent games for Real Madrid. Since that match against Real Betis, the bandage has become a constant feature of his appearances, serving as a protective measure for the fracture he sustained on the pitch.
