Champions League Final MVPs Plagued by Injury Curse
Recent Champions League Final MVPs, including Virgil van Dijk and Rodri, have suffered significant injuries following their standout performances.
In recent years, a troubling pattern has emerged where players awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Champions League Final subsequently endure serious injuries, sidelining them for extended periods.
The sequence began with Virgil van Dijk, who was named MVP in Liverpool's 2019 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. In October 2020, van Dijk suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, keeping him out of action until July 2021.
In 2020, Kingsley Coman earned MVP honors after scoring the decisive goal for Bayern Munich against Paris Saint-Germain. The following year, Coman faced multiple injuries, including hamstring and calf issues, resulting in approximately three months away from the pitch.
N'Golo Kanté was pivotal in Chelsea's 2021 triumph over Manchester City, earning the MVP title. However, the subsequent season was marred by seven different injuries, causing him to miss significant playing time. A hamstring injury in the summer of 2022 further sidelined him for six months.
In 2022, Thibaut Courtois delivered a stellar performance for Real Madrid against Liverpool, securing the MVP accolade. Unfortunately, in the summer of 2023, Courtois sustained an ACL injury, expected to keep him out for nearly a year.
Most recently, Rodri was named MVP in Manchester City's 2023 final against Inter Milan, scoring the match-winning goal. Shortly thereafter, Rodri suffered an ACL injury, ruling him out for the current season.
This series of post-MVP injuries has led to discussions about a potential 'curse' affecting standout performers in the Champions League Final, raising concerns among players and fans alike.
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