21 Players Who Faced Medical and Drug Test Challenges

The world of football is filled with tales of triumph and heartbreak, but one aspect that often goes unnoticed is the rigorous process players must go through during transfers.

Medical tests are a crucial part of this process, ensuring that players are fit and healthy to join their new clubs.

However, not all players make it through these tests unscathed. Some fail due to injuries or medical conditions, while others fall foul of drug tests. In this article, we’ll take a look at 21 players who faced such challenges and how it impacted their careers.

1. Ruud van Nistelrooy

Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Dutch striker, faced a significant setback early in his career when he failed a medical at Manchester United in 2000 due to an injury.

Despite this initial hurdle, van Nistelrooy’s determination and resilience shone through. He went on to have a highly successful career with the club, scoring an impressive 150 goals in 219 appearances. His journey from a failed medical to becoming one of United’s top scorers is a testament to his perseverance and talent.

2. Adrian Mutu

Adrian Mutu, the Romanian forward, faced a dramatic downfall in 2004 when he tested positive for cocaine while playing for Chelsea. The positive test led to his contract being terminated, and Mutu received a lengthy ban from football.

This incident not only tarnished his reputation but also served as a stark reminder of the consequences of drug use in sports. Despite his talent, Mutu’s career was significantly impacted by this incident, highlighting the importance of maintaining a clean and disciplined lifestyle as a professional athlete.

3. Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, faced multiple issues with drug tests throughout his career. His most infamous incident occurred during the 1994 World Cup when he tested positive for ephedrine.

As a result, Maradona was sent home from the tournament, which cast a shadow over his illustrious career. This incident served as a stark reminder of the challenges even the most talented athletes can face with substance abuse.

4. John Hartson

John Hartson, the Welsh striker, faced a significant setback in 2001 when he failed a medical at Glasgow Rangers due to a heart condition. This initial disappointment did not deter him, as he later joined West Ham United and forged a successful career.

Hartson’s resilience and determination to overcome his health issues are a testament to his character. Despite the initial setback, he continued to excel on the field, proving that challenges can be overcome with perseverance and dedication.

5. Loïc Rémy

Loïc Rémy, the French forward, faced significant challenges in his career due to a heart condition. He failed medicals at Liverpool and other clubs, which initially hindered his progress. However, Rémy’s determination and resilience shone through when he eventually joined Chelsea.

At Chelsea, he had a successful stint, proving his worth on the field despite the earlier setbacks. Rémy’s journey highlights the importance of perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles in achieving one’s goals.

6. André Onana

André Onana, the Cameroonian goalkeeper, faced a significant setback in 2021 when he tested positive for Furosemide, a banned diuretic often used as a masking agent. UEFA imposed a 12-month suspension on Onana, which was later reduced to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport1.

Onana claimed he mistakenly took his wife’s medication, thinking it was an aspirin, as he was feeling unwell. This incident highlighted the strict anti-doping regulations in football and the severe consequences of even unintentional violations.

7. Demba Ba

Demba Ba, the Senegalese striker, faced significant challenges early in his career due to a heart condition. He failed medicals at both Stuttgart and Stoke, which initially hindered his progress in the football world.

However, Ba’s determination and resilience led him to join Chelsea, where he had a successful career. His journey from failing medical tests to becoming a key player for Chelsea highlights his perseverance and ability to overcome obstacles.

8. Edgar Davids

Edgar Davids, the Dutch midfielder, faced multiple issues with drug tests throughout his career. He was banned several times for failing tests, which significantly affected his career.

Despite his talent and contributions to the teams he played for, these bans tarnished his reputation and limited his playing time. Davids’ struggles with drug tests serve as a reminder of the strict anti-doping regulations in football and the severe consequences of failing them.

9. Gabriel Milito

Gabriel Milito, the Argentine defender, faced a significant setback in 2003 when he failed a medical at Real Madrid due to a knee injury.

This initial disappointment did not deter him, as he later joined Barcelona and forged a successful career. Milito’s resilience and determination to overcome his injury are a testament to his character. Despite the initial setback, he became a key player for Barcelona, contributing to the club’s successes.

10. Gary Breen

Gary Breen, the Irish defender, faced a significant setback in 2002 when he failed a medical at Glasgow Rangers due to a heart condition.

This initial disappointment did not deter him, as he later joined West Ham United and forged a successful career. Breen’s resilience and determination to overcome his health issues are a testament to his character.

11. Mark Bosnich

In 2004, Australian goalkeeper Mark Bosnich, then playing for Chelsea, tested positive for cocaine. This shocking revelation led to the immediate termination of his contract with the club.

The Football Association (FA) imposed a nine-month ban on Bosnich, effectively sidelining him from professional football. The incident marked a significant downturn in his career, as he faced both public scrutiny and personal challenges.

12. Víctor Valdés

In 2014, Spanish goalkeeper Víctor Valdés faced a setback when he failed a medical examination at Monaco due to an injury.

Despite this hurdle, Valdés didn’t let it define his career. He later joined Manchester United, where he had a brief stint with the club. His resilience and determination to overcome the injury and prove his worth at a top-tier club showcased his professionalism and dedication to the sport.

13. Frank de Boer

In 2001, Dutch defender Frank de Boer tested positive for nandrolone after a UEFA Cup match between Barcelona and Celta Vigo2.

The banned steroid was found in his system at levels significantly above the permissible limit. As a result, UEFA imposed a one-year ban on de Boer, which was later upheld by FIFA2. Despite his appeals and efforts to prove his innocence, the ban had a notable impact on his career.

14. Jaap Stam

In 2001, Dutch defender Jaap Stam faced a major career setback when he tested positive for nandrolone after a UEFA Cup match between Barcelona and Celta Vigo.

The banned steroid was found in his system at levels significantly above the permissible limit. As a result, UEFA imposed a one-year ban on Stam, which was later upheld by FIFA.

15. Marko Arnautovic

In 2009, Austrian forward Marko Arnautovic faced a setback when he failed a medical examination at Chelsea due to a fractured foot.

Despite this initial disappointment, Arnautovic didn’t let it hinder his career. He later joined West Ham United, where he enjoyed a successful stint with the club. His journey from a failed medical to becoming a key player at West Ham showcased his resilience and determination.

16. Paul Pogba

In 2023, French midfielder Paul Pogba faced a major career setback when he tested positive for testosterone after Juventus’ first game of the season against Udinese.

The positive test led to a provisional suspension by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal, and Pogba faced a potential four-year ban1. Despite his claims of accidental ingestion, the ban was upheld, significantly impacting his career.

17. Pep Guardiola

In 2001, Pep Guardiola, then playing for Brescia Calcio, tested positive for the banned substance nandrolone after a match against Lazio. This was his second positive test, with traces of the substance also found after a game against Piacenza1.

Despite his protests of innocence, Guardiola was handed a four-month ban by UEFA. The ban was a significant blow to his career, but he continued to fight the verdict. In 2007, the Brescia Court of Appeal exonerated him of all charges, citing changes in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s guidelines.

18. Radamel Falcao

In 2015, Colombian striker Radamel Falcao faced a significant setback when he failed a medical examination at Monaco due to an injury.

This came after a challenging spell in the Premier League with Manchester United and Chelsea. Despite the failed medical, Falcao’s determination saw him eventually return to Monaco, where he continued to showcase his goal-scoring prowess.

19. Andrey Arshavin

In 2009, Russian forward Andrey Arshavin faced a hurdle when he initially failed a medical examination at Arsenal.

However, he didn’t let this setback define his career. After passing a second medical, Arshavin joined the club and went on to have a successful stint with Arsenal.

20. Noah Okafor

In January 2025, Swiss forward Noah Okafor faced a significant setback when he failed a medical examination at RB Leipzig due to an injury. Despite this initial disappointment, Okafor didn’t let it hinder his career.

21. John Carew

In 2002, Norwegian striker John Carew faced a significant hurdle when he failed a medical examination at West Ham United due to a heart condition. Despite this setback, Carew didn’t let it define his career. He later joined other clubs, where he continued to showcase his talent and determination.