Top 5 footballers whose careers were affected due to unprofessional behaviour; check out the bad-boy list

By
Jehan Mucadum
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Flop Footballers: A footballing career is short so one needs to take full control of it before it becomes too late to get to the level required.

Such is the fickle nature of the game that if one thinks of himself as bigger than it, then it will crush you to the ground with no hopes of revival.

Talent coupled with hard-work has brought out the best from players in the beautiful game. But for some, hard-work, professionalism and ethics towards the game do not matter.

Due to these reasons, they do not make it big during their careers and are left to rue what could have been rather than what is.

Today, we look at some of the top flop footballers whose careers fizzled away or could not be revived due to unprofessional behavior.

Mario Balotelli

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The ultimate bad-boy of football, Balotelli is one of the top examples of career gone downhill.

Regarded as one of Italy football’s future player, Balotelli’s career fizzled out due to his unprofessional and lack of hard-work behavior.

During his time at Man City; his strained relationship with fellow Italian, Mancini was a text-book example.

The Italian had all it takes to become one of the top players in the work especially after his sensational performance in Euro 2012 semi-final.

He was destined to take his career to a next level, but it was not meant to be.

Mario’s unprofessional behavior saw him change 9 clubs since moving to Man City in 2010.

Jadon Sancho

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The 22-year-old move to Old Trafford in July 2021 and was expected to be the next big thing at Manchester United; who could revive their dwindling form.

But in 2 seasons, Jadon Sancho has shown nothing much of his Dortmund days; where he was firing goals every week.

The England international’s unprofessional behavior and lack of work-ethics has been the major reasons for his downfall at the English club.

At 22 with the world at his feet, Sancho is lost in the bewilderment of his successes.

Erik ten Hag has even moved him out of the playing squad earlier this season to ensure the player finds his feet again.

Given ten Hag’s authoritarian nature; it is highly unlikely that Sancho may not fit back unless there is a sea of improvement in the player.

James Rodriguez

ImageThe Colombian international was touted to be the next superstar of the beautiful game after his 2014 FIFA World Cup performances.

However; he has not reached the heights expected. Rodriguez was chosen as Real Madrid’s next signing post the World Cup.

But in the three years he spent, he was largely ineffective and down with injuries and behavioral issues.

His stint in England with Everton during the 2020-21 season as well showcased similar patterns under Benitez.

He currently plays in Olympiacos at 31; whereas he would have expected to be playing amongst Europe’s elite clubs.

The sudden down-trend post a World Cup success has shown how fickle the game can be if not given its due respect.

Dele Alli

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The English international saw a quick rise to success from MK Dons after he moved to Spurs in 2015.

Alli was touted as one of the future stars of the game but after a couple of successful seasons, his career went downhill.

Lack of professionalism, laziness, attitude problems crept into his game and was a highlight point every time he played. Angry looks from his managers became a regular sight as Alli fizzled out.

After 7 seasons, he moved to Everton but within few months was restricted to the bench due to behavioral issues.

Mourinho’s famous talk to the English international in the documentary ‘All or Nothing’ seems to have finally hit the boy.

Currently on loan at Besiktas; the mid-fielder is having a nightmare of a season.

Neymar

ImageThe Brazilian international is undoubtedly one of the most skilled players of the game but has not seen the success like his predecessor Brazilians.

The leading Brazilian goal-scorer was one of Barcelona’s best players during his 4 year-stay with the club from 2013-2017 since his move from Santos FC.

In 186 appearances, he scored 105 goals before making a big money-move to PSG.

However; the Brazilian has not lived up to his reputation at the French club since his move.

Consistent injuries, unprofessional behavior and fitness concerns have made him a shadow of the player he once was.

Neymar began his season well at PSG but if a closer look is given to his stats, he has dropped off in intensity and work-rate per season.

In the 2022-23 season, Neymar seemed to have the ball running after going amiss in the last few seasons.

With 11 goals and 9 assists from 12 league matches, the Brazilian seems back to his best.

There were recent reports of PSG management wanting him to leave the club due to his attitude and lack of work-ethic issues.

Neymar has not had a successful stint with PSG despite the laurels club has won in recent time.

The 30-year-old recently announced that the World Cup 2022 with the nation was his last. This sort of drop in form and mentality was not expected by the Brazilian faithful.


       

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