Former Bayern Munich and France winger Franck Ribery revealed that he was very close to having his leg amputated towards the end of his career due to a post-surgery infection. Ribery, who secured nine Bundesliga titles and earned 81 caps for his national team, concluded his 22-year professional journey in 2022 after a challenging final stint at Salernitana marked by injuries. Although his time in Italy was largely unremarkable, it was at the Serie A club that Ribery faced his most terrifying experience.

At the age of 41, Ribery told L’Equipe that a routine knee surgery in his final season took a terrifying turn when he contracted a flesh-eating infection that almost led to the loss of his leg. “The pain in my knee got worse,” Ribery recalled. “Rather than training for upcoming matches, I had to concentrate on recovering to protect myself.”

I underwent surgery in Austria, and the procedure was successful, with a plate placed inside me. However, nearly five months later, I developed a severe infection. The doctors had to remove the plate, but by then, the infection had severely damaged my leg, leaving me with holes. I had contracted Staphylococcus aureus. I spent 12 days in the emergency room of a hospital in Austria, and I was terrified; there was a real possibility that they might have to amputate my leg. Shortly after this ordeal, Ribery decided to retire from a remarkable career that included stints at Galatasaray, Marseille, Fiorentina, and Bayern Munich, where he truly shone. Over 12 years with the German club, he netted 124 goals and was part of a formidable attacking duo alongside fellow winger Arjen Robben. Yet, one moment from his time at Bayern continues to haunt him: missing out on the Ballon d’Or in 2013.

Ribery was a strong favorite to win after leading Bayern to an unprecedented treble, contributing an assist in the Champions League final, earning the UEFA Best Player in Europe title, and scoring in the UEFA Super Cup. Despite this, Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the award after the voting period was controversially extended by two weeks due to a shortage of “eligible voters.” “I had everything except that award that year,” Ribery, who ultimately finished third behind Lionel Messi, reflected. “It was an exceptional year; I couldn’t have performed any better. That Ballon d’Or will always feel like an injustice. “I’m still looking for answers, even though some have shared their opinions. I will never comprehend why the voting was postponed for over two weeks when I was leading among journalists. Had the voting taken place as it should have, I would have won.”