The Nastiest Tackles in Soccer History in GIFs

From Martin Taylor taking out Eduardo to Nigel de Jong's kung-fu kick on Xavi Alonso, check out The Nastiest Tackles in Soccer History in GIFs.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Soccer has long been hailed as the beautiful game. That’s because of the amazing goals, sublime assists, and the game’s overall grasp on seemingly every corner of the world. You couldn’t even get into the Boca Juniors steakhouse on Queens Boulevard for Argentina’s matches during this past summer’s World Cup, so imagine what it was like in Buenos Aires. But we digress.

The point today is to talk about the other side of the game. This is the side no one likes to see-unless you’re a sick sadomasochist-but has always been just as much a part of the game as the last-minute winners, dazzling midfield runs, and improbable victories. There is certainly a concerted effort in modern soccer to stamp out-no pun intended-the rash challenges, which leave ankles broken and ligaments in shreds, but that part of the game still very much exists.  We took a look at some of the worst of the bunch throughout the years, because, well, even the dark parts of the game need a spotlight. From Martin Taylor taking out Arsenal’s Eduardo to Nigel de Jong's kung-fu kick on Xavi Alonso during the 2010 World Cup Final, check out The Nastiest Tackles in Soccer History in GIFs.

25. John Boye didn’t appreciate Clint Dempsey’s early opener.

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24. Maroune Fellaini shows the spirit of the Manchester derby to Pablo Zabaleta.

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23. Jobi McAnuff nails Jack Wilshere in a very sensitive area.

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22. Matty Taylor lands a boot to the mid-section of Raheem Sterling.

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21. Ricardo Montolivo sees red after hacking down Christian Poulsen.

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20. Nemanja Vidic is not a fan of Eden Hazard’s trickery.

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19. Thiago Motta is sent off for raking Frederic Sammaritano.

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18. Ashley Westwood confuses Jordan Henderson’s knee for the ball.

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17. Andoni Goikoetxea takes down Diego Maradona.

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16. Harald Shumacher gets into a nasty collision with Patrick Battiston.

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15. Taras Stepanenko nails a Moldova defender with a karate kick to the head.

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14. Karl Henry is given his marching orders after sliding through Jordi Gomez.

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13. Valentin Eysseric receives an 11-match ban for this stamp on Jeremy Clement.

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12. Lee Bowyer adds insult to injury against Gerardo.

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11. Axel Witsel breaks Marcin Wasilewski’s leg.

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10. Martin Taylor sees red for ruining Eduardo da Silva.

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9. Benjamin Massing takes out Claudio Caniggia at the 1990 World Cup.

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8. Kado Aoci is knocked out with a clothesline.

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7. Ryan Shawcross leaves Aaron Ramsey in a world of trouble.

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6. Callum McManamann’s tackle on Massadio Haidara is beyond cringeworthy.

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5. Graeme Souness takes revenge on Gheorge Rotariu.

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4. A 21-year-old Eric Cantona fly’s through Zakarian on his debut.

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3. Nigel de Jong somehow stays on the pitch after putting his studs into Xabi Alonso’s chest.

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2. Oupa Ngulube has his leg snapped by Felix Muamba-Musasa.

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1. Roy Keane ends Alf-Inge Haaland’s career.

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