11 Legendary Hardmen Who Make Modern Footballers Look Like Wimps

11. Bert Trautmann

Bert Trautmann was an outstanding goalkeeper in his day, playing over 500 times for Manchester City in a remarkable career that included possibly the most famous moment in FA Cup history. His moment came whilst playing for City in the 1956 FA Cup Final against Birmingham City: with just over 15 minutes of the match left, Trautmann jumped out to make a diving save at the feet of Birmingham's Peter Murphy and injured himself in the process. The injury was serious, but he merely shrugged it off and continued on to finish the match. City went on to win the cup 3-1, with Trautmann continuing to command his goal, though it was noted that the German's neck appeared crooked as he went up to collect his winner's medal at Wembley. It was only three days later when he had an X-ray that the full extent of the injury was known, and it was revealed that he had broken his neck during the final. He was a perfect example of playing through the pain barrier in order to taste success, and a stark reminder that players were once taught to endure, rather than to look for the advantage of a free-kick in a physical situation.