Top 10 "Fake" Injuries in Football History
Football is a contact sport, but it is also a stage for dramatic acting. While modern media constantly discusses simulation, at Bilardo Water we scrutinize both actual playacting and soft exaggerations of obvious tackles. Here is our audit of the top 10 "fake" injuries in football history, ranked from #10 to #1.
#10 — Morten Gamst Pedersen Tripping Over a Ghost (2009)
Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen ran into the Arsenal penalty box, checked his footing, and dove face-first onto the turf without an Arsenal defender within three yards, claiming a penalty kick.
Replays showed zero contact from Bacary Sagna, making it one of the most glaring simulation attempts recorded in Premier League history.
#9 — Bryan Carrasco Slapping Himself with Opponent's Arm (2011)
In a South American U-20 match between Chile and Ecuador, Chilean winger Bryan Carrasco grabbed opponent Edson Montaño's arm and struck himself in the face with it to trick the referee into awarding a free kick.
The referee awarded the free kick, unaware that Carrasco had physically orchestrated the contact himself on the touchline.
#8 — David Luiz Smiling on the Floor vs Chelsea (2013)
After shielding the ball into the corner, Chelsea defender David Luiz was kicked by Arsenal's Rafael. Luiz collapsed in pain, but television cameras caught him smiling and winking at fans while lying on the turf.
The incident demonstrated how modern defenders use tactical delays to secure red card sanctions against frustrated opponents.
#7 — Alberto Gilardino Diving Into Thin Air vs Celtic (2007)
Rounding goalkeeper Artur Boruc with no defender within five yards, AC Milan striker Alberto Gilardino took three steps, looked at the crowd, and dove face-first into the grass without any contact.
The referee issued an immediate yellow card for simulation, rejecting Gilardino's attempt to win an unmerited Champions League penalty.
#6 — Sergio Busquets Peeking Through His Fingers (2010)
After Thiago Motta's hand brushed Busquets' chest in the Champions League semi-final, Busquets fell to the ground covering his face, peeking between his fingers to confirm Motta received a red card.
The peek was captured on broadcast television, becoming an iconic symbol of tactical dark arts in European competition.
#5 — Rivaldo Clutching His Face vs Turkey (2002)
Hakan Ünsal kicked the ball at Rivaldo's legs near the corner flag. Rivaldo collapsed clutching his face as if struck by a missile, tricking referee Kim Young-joo into showing Ünsal a red card.
FIFA subsequently fined Rivaldo for simulation, marking one of the first high-profile post-match video sanctions at a World Cup.
#4 — Neymar's 50-Meter Barrel Roll vs Serbia (2018)
After a challenge by Adem Ljajić at the 2018 World Cup, Neymar rolled along the touchline across seven full rotations, covering nearly 15 meters of grass while clutching his ankle.
The theatrical sequence inspired global internet memes, calculating that Neymar spent over 14 minutes on the turf during the tournament.
#3 — Deyverson Rolling When the Referee Touched Him (2021)
In the final minutes of the 2021 Copa Libertadores Final, Palmeiras striker Deyverson felt a tap on his back and collapsed in pain, screaming for a red card.
He turned around seconds later to discover that the person who touched him was referee Néstor Pitana, immediately standing up to resume play.
#2 — Giorgio Chiellini's "Bite Marks" vs Luis Suárez (2014)
During the 2014 World Cup, Chiellini pulled down his jersey to show referee Marco Rodríguez red marks on his shoulder after a collision with Luis Suárez. Suárez merely leaned forward in the box.
Chiellini applied manual pressure to create visible skin discoloration, persuading FIFA officials to issue a 4-month ban after the match ended.
#1 — Alf-Inge Haaland's "Torn Knee" vs Roy Keane (2001) 🏆
Verdict: Total Exaggeration for Disciplinary Points!
Haaland finished the match, played 45 minutes for Norway 4 days later, and retired years later due to an issue on his OTHER knee!
In the 2001 Manchester Derby, Roy Keane launched a high challenge on Alf-Inge Haaland. Haaland collapsed clutching his right knee, claiming the tackle ended his career.
However, Haaland finished the match, played 45 minutes for Norway four days later, and retired years later due to a chronic condition on his left knee, making the media narrative a complete exaggeration.