25 Biggest Underachievers in Football History

Giuseppe Rossi

The 25th spot on this list of unfortunate players who failed to make it big, despite showing promise, is occupied by former Italian footballer Giuseppe Rossi, whose career was devastated by major knee injuries and ACL tears. Despite being a prolific goal-scorer at Villarreal and Fiorentina, his fitness issues ultimately curtailed his career.

Nicklas Bendtner

Former Arsenal and Denmark forward Niklas Bendtner is not the biggest underachiever to occupy a spot on this list, but did have the ability to make it big. The period was marked by his inconsistent performances, coupled with a series of off-field controversies, disciplinary issues, and legal troubles, ultimately bringing down his football career.

Michael Johnson

Former Manchester City academy graduate Michael Johnson's senior football career lasted only six years, due to severe injury setbacks including abdominal issues, double-hernia, and knee injuries. Once tipped as a future English star, he was released from Man City in 2013, following which he remained away from the game for life.

Sebastian Deisler

Another player who was destined to make it big, former German international Sebastian Deisler remains an underachiever due to a constant barrage of severe knee injuries that kept him away from major tournaments, including the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups. He retired prematurely in January 2007, at the age of just 27.

Ravel Morrison

Despite Sir Alex Ferguson labeling him as the best young player he had seen at that age, Ravel Morisson's career was derailed by a poor professional mentality, lack of work ethic, and disciplinary problems. Currently playing for UAE seconds division club Arabian Falcons, the 32-year-old could never get going in the Premier League.

Alen Halilovic

Once called the 'Croatian Messi' for his unique play-making abilities, Alen Halilovic could joined FC Barcelona in 2014 in a promising career move, but could only play once for the senior time, spending most of his time with the B-team. A lack of physical strength and tactical intelligence prevented him from breaking it into the top level.

Hatem Ben Arfa

Frenchman Hatem Ben Arfa was once considered the best dribbler of all-time, but his career was undermined by his volatile personality, leading to frequent disciplinary problems like training ground fights and arguments with managers. Having played for clubs like PSG and Newcastle, Ben Arfa has been described by many as a 'wasted prodigy'.

Ansu Fati

Another Barcelona player who was once hailed as Lionel Messi's successor at the club, Ansu Fati was a versatile forward who would play on the right wing, as a false 9 as well as a number 10 or 11. However, a series of devastating leg and knee injuries drastically reduced his match fitness, with Fati now having moved to Monaco to revive his career.

Jese Rodriguez

A Real Madrid academy graduate, Spaniard Jese Rodrigues is a two-time UCL winner with the club, but his promising career was altered by a severe ACL tear in March 2014, following which he lost his explosive pace and dynamism. After failed loan spells and a stint at PSG, Jese's lack of professionalism is what has kept him away from top-flight clubs.

Hachim Mastour

Famous for making Youtube videos more than playing football, Hachim Mastour's failure to make it big stemmed from the immense pressure that he faced due to the excessive hype. The AC Milan academy graduate lacked consistent senior-level playing time across multiple unsuccessful loan spells, which ultimately stalled his development.

Adnan Januzaj

Belgian winger Adnan Januzaj's unfulfilled potential is largely attributed to excessive hype following his Manchester United debut in 2013, which put enormous pressure on the young player. Currently playing for Sevilla, his development was hampered by a lack of consistency, poor decision-making and a lack of the required professional attitude.

Giovani dos Santos

Another attacking talents who emerged from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy but failed to make it big, former Mexican footballer Giovani dos Santos struggled to find a consistent best position on the field. His club career was marked by inconsistent form, and disappointing spells at big clubs like Tottenham and Galatasaray.

Royston Drenthe

Former Dutch winger Royston Drenthe failed to achieve his massive potential, highlighted by his disappointing stint at Real Madrid, due to a lack of professionalism and discipline. Having turned to a music career after retirement, Drenthe publicly admitted to partying way too much, which led to being late or missing training sessions often.

Jack Wilshere

Having made his debut for Arsenal at the age of just 16, Englishman Jack Wilshere was poised to be the next 'great' midfielder from the country, succeeding Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. His career potential was ultimately limited due to a devastating succession of severe injuries, which limited his time on the pitch.

Renato Sanches

An important part of Portugal's 2016 Euro-winning team, Renato Sanches has since then struggled with integration, a lack of game time, and persistent injury issues. Despite having made some high-money moved to clubs like Bayner Munich, Lille, PSG, Roma and Benfica throughout his career, he is yet to break out onto the big stages.

Bojan Krkic

Another player who failed after being termed the 'next Lionel Messi', Bojan Krkic's career struggles erupted from the immense pressure and unrealistic expectations quite early in his career. He finished with 41 goals in 163 appearances in the Spanish top-flight in his first four full seasons, but could never replicate the form during his later days.

Dele Alli

While he enjoyed a sensational start to his career at Tottenham, Dele Alli career was later marked with struggles with form and a lack of discipline. He revealed significant personal hardships and mental health struggles, as the reason behind his decline, and is currently a free agent after being released by Serie A side Como.

Freddy Adu

Former American forward Freddy Adu failed to meet expectations, despite being referred to as the 'next Pele'. He made his professional debut in the MLS at just 14, but later admitted that his own lack of dedication, poor work ethic, and regrettable decisions, led to a constant cycle of unsuccessful stints across many clubs around the world.

Anderson

Named Golden Boy in 2008, former Brazilian midfielder Anderson is best known for his tenure with Manchester United from 2007 to 2015, during which he made over 180 appearances. However, recurrent injury issues, lack of consistency, and poor discipline led to his decline, followed by dismal spells in the Brazilian and Turkish top-flight.

Ricardo Quaresma

Despite being compared to the likes of countryman Cristano Ronaldo and having played at clubs like Barcelona and Inter Milan, Ricardo Quaresma remains an underachiever due to his inconsistent mentality and lack of discipline. A Portugal international, he played for the national team for 15 years, and was a part of the 2016 Euro-winning squad.

Robinho

Off-filed issues plagued Brazilian icon Robinho's football career, notably a 2013 sexual assault conviction that ultimately overshadowed his football legacy and led to him currently serving a prison sentence. Robinho did play for clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan, but saw his career being frequently disrupted by injuries and homesickness.

Rafael van der Vaart

The first recipient of the Golden Boy award in 2003, Rafael van der Vaart played for clubs like Real Madrid, Ajax, Tottenham and Hamburg throughout his career, but could not reach to the levels he was poised. Despite the creative brilliance, the Netherlands international struggled with injuries, a lack of athleticism and discipline.

Adriano

Former Brazilian forward Adriano finished among the top ten on the 2004 and 2005 Ballon d'Or rankings, and was known for his unstoppable blend of power, pace, and cannon-like left foot. The sudden death of his father in 2004, followed by inconsistency, depression and alcoholism resulted in him finishing his career as an 'underachiever'.

Alexandre Pato

Former Brazilian star Alexandre Pato's career was primarily derailed by a series of muscular injuries, which he aggravated by trying to play through the pain. His consistent lack of fitness prevented him becoming a world-class striker, despite having played for clubs like AC Milan, Chelsea and Villareal throughout his career.

Mario Balotelli

The top spot on this list of unfortunate players is occupied by Italian Mario Balotelli, who failed to make it big despite having played for clubs like Inter, Manchester City, AC Milan and Liverpool. His talent was overshadowed by his notorious lack of discipline and poor professional attitude, earning him a reputation as 'unmanageable.'