An investigation into abnormally high cancer rates and heart problems among former Italian premiere league soccer players recently led to the discovery of an even deadlier killer that's taking out retired footballers.Since 1973, 41 former Italian players have succumbed to motor neuron disease (MND), known in the U.S. as Lou Gehrig's disease. The mysterious ailment destroys the body's motor nerves, and eventually results in paralysis.
Stefano Borgonovo (pictured here), a former striker for AC Milan, is the latest victim of this incurable disease. The 44-year-old has been relegated to a wheelchair and now needs computer-generated voice software to communicate. While some speculate that it could be a result of physical injuries from tackles or repeatedly heading the ball, others think it could be the result of doping, or pesticides that are used on the stadium grass.
"The truth is, we just don't know," said neurologist Adriano Chio, who is the country's foremost expert on MND. Chio's research on the condition has found that soccer players have seven times the likelihood of contracting the disease. Midfielders -- who are frequently tackled -- seem to get it the most.
This baffling ailment is, of course, no laughing matter -- we hope the cause is discovered and the world's soccer players can return to doing what they do best: playing an intense game, entertaining millions of fans and (for 50 of them, anyway) sporting horrendous haircuts.
50 Greatest Football Haircuts
Abel Xavier
This isn't so much a haircut as an alien war helmet. Brilliant use of gel and dye by the LA Galaxy star.
Getty Images
Peter Beardsley
Beardsley's commitment to the bowl cut was second only to his commitment to the England team.
Michael Cooper, Getty Images
Tony Daley
Halfway through his haircut, Tony Daley was called to take his photo for that year's Panini football stickers.
Dan Smith, Allsport / Getty Images
Alexi Lalas
Lalas had a truly amazing and intimidating haircut and beard combo during the 1994 World Cup. Now he manages LA Galaxy, which has more than its fair share of brilliant hair. Coincidence? We doubt it.
Gary M. Prior, Getty Images
Barry Venison
This isn't a hair cut, he's just standing back-to-back with Chewbaca.
John Gichigi, Getty Images
David Beckham
Beckham's long and distinguished daliance with strange hair started here, with the permanent mid-jump gravity hold.
Getty Images
Socrates
Brazilian players with one-word names tend to have amazing hair. This wouldn't be an ego thing would it?
Jorge Duran, Getty Images
Billy Bonds
One from the days before encroaching baldness meant a quick once-over with the clippers.
Allsport UK / Getty Images
Bobby Charlton
Charlton's comb-over was truly a thing of beauty -- until he ran into the wind, that is, where it became a thing of nightmares.
Bobby Charlton, Getty Images
Carlos Valderama
Hairdressers buy up tickets years in advance for when Valderama's Colorado Rapids and Abel Xavier's LA Galaxy meet in the MLS.
Christopher Ruppel, Getty Images
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Tuesday 11 November
By SassyFrassy
Could it be from a mosquito? I heard somewhere's that mosquito's can carry that. Do they play out where there's lots of mosquito's at dusk outdoors?? just a thought?
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Tuesday 11 November
By cathy
my mother died from mnd...in 1950...i seriously doubt a mosquito bite did it...there would be more cases than the few (it is a few considering the world population)..that there are..
Tuesday 11 November
By SassyFrassy
oh this didn't print the first time. Could it be due to mosquito bites? I was told by someone that it was caused by mosquito bites? Mosquito's carry it??? any opinions on this?
Do they practice outdoors??
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Tuesday 11 November
By Kevin
I wonder if the religious right is going to come up with some reason these athletes are dying and the disease seems to be targeting them? They did, after all, claim that AIDS was a plague sent by God to punish homosexuals. Wouldn't this be within their line of reasoning?
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Wednesday 12 November
By sunny
yes, of course, it is the religious right...pathetic little twerp...anyone think it is the pesticides used on the fields...also hits a lot of baseball and football players also..not just soccer....see how many baseball players have gotten cancer - or it could just be the liberals breathing in the air there ???? to counter the stupid, asinine religious right stupidity
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Wednesday 12 November
By flashygrrl21
"The mysterious ailment destroys the body's motor nerves, and eventually results in paralysis."
No. It results in death, for some sooner than others. A close friend of mine suffered for 2 1/2 years with this disease while others still live. They either die from suffocation since they lose control of their ability to breathe or they starve to death from not being able to swallow.
As for the cause of this, they should do a study on the spinal cord and the effects of any possible subluxations. Misplaced vertebrate have been shown to cause other diseases so it wouldn't shock me if this is another one.
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