Former Charlton midfielder Matthew Holmes has been awarded agreed damages of £250,000 at the High Court for a tackle by defender Kevin Muscat.
Holmes says Muscat's challenge ruined his career
Holmes suffered a broken tibia in the tackle by then Wolves defender Muscat in an FA Cup game in February 1998.
Holmes launched a £2m lawsuit against the club and Muscat, who now plays for Millwall, though neither party has admitted any liability.
"I am delighted by the outcome," said Holmes, who now plays for Dorchester.
Holmes made one more substitute appearance for Charlton in the remaining two years of his contract before quitting top-flight football in July 2000.
The total cost to the defendants, including legal fees, is expected to top £750,000.
Richard Davies QC, representing Muscat and Wolves, said they did not believe the tackle led to the end of Holmes' career while John McParland, Holmes' barrister, called it "the second most expensive tackle in British football and legal history".
The most expensive tackle was Huddersfield Town defender Kevin Gray's tackle
on Bradford City striker Gordon Watson, which resulted in a damages award of
Watson suffered a broken leg in the incident in 1997.
Holmes added: "My goal throughout was to prove that Mr Muscat's challenge was a very bad one and it ruined my career.
"I can't say enough to thank all those players, managers and commentators who have come forward to help me and given of themselves to assist in the preparation of the case. I am eternally grateful to them all.
"I pay special thanks to all the players and staff at Charlton. Charlton are a great club and look after their players on and off the field."