Top five players who failed to replicate World Cup form after bagging big money moves

It is considered that World Cup is not a good parameter for clubs to market players.

The FIFA World Cup is the most glorious competition in football. Many players have proven their calibre and potential at the World Cup. Amrabat, Ounahi, Enzo Fernandez and many other players showed their potential at the FIFA World Cup 2022. It is possible that many big clubs will opt to cash in for these players. However, there are some players who have failed to perform at big clubs after a good World Cup run.

Let's take a look at the top 5 players who failed to replicate World Cup form after bagging a big move :

5. Marcos Rojo

Often seen as Argentina's weak link at the FIFA World Cup 2014. Rojo proved everyone wrong and helped Argentina reach the final. However, everything went downhill after joining Manchester United, something which is becoming common nowadays. Marcos Rojo was not the worst player at Manchester United but faced many problems.

Rojo's issues with his work permit and passport prevented him from joining Manchester United. At the time, Louis Van Gaal fined Rojo for not joining the pre-season tour even though it was not in his control. Moreover, when Rojo did join, he only played 122 games over 7 years at Old Trafford.

4. William Carvalho

The Portuguese defensive midfielder showed his flashy feet and skills at the FIFA World Cup 2018. Many even compared him to Isco Alarcon. After the World Cup ended, Real Betis paid € 20 million to Sporting CP for his service. Now at the age of 30 years old, Carvalho is reaching the end of his career. He is not necessarily a failure but has underperformed heavily. William Carvalho failed to reach the heights at Real Betis he did in 2018.

3. Asamoah Gyan

Famously known for missing the penalty against Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup 2010. Gyan is Ghana's top scorer with 51 goals. He managed to score six goals for Ghana over three quadrennial tournaments.

Asamoah missed a crucial penalty against Uruguay in the quarter-finals in 2010. However, that did not stop Steve Bruce from acquiring his services. Sunderland paid £13 million for the transfer of Asamoah Gyan. Unfortunately, he failed to replicate the same form in the Premier League with Sunderland. After performing well on a loan move, Gyan could not stay in the Premier League anymore. He made a move to the UAE in 2012 from Sunderland.

2. James Rodriguez

Colombia had a major concern at the FIFA World Cup 2014 because of Falcao's injury concerns. However, the young 23-year-old James Rodriguez turned up and proved everyone wrong. James Rodriguez won the Golden Boot at the 2010 World Cup. He scored 6 goals and had 2 assists in 2010. He would have increased his tally more but unfortunately, Brazil knocked the underdogs out in the quarter-finals.

All the elite clubs were in the race for James, however, Madrid bagged his services. The Spanish giants paid £63 million for the Colombian winger. He managed to score 37 goals and has 42 assists in 125 appearances for Real Madrid. However, a string of injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential. After failing at Real Madrid, he had short stints at Bayern Munich and Everton. Unfortunately, he never reached his full potential.

1. Eden Hazard

One of the best players in the World because of his successful run with Chelsea. Eden Hazard was often compared with Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. Eden performed quite well with Belgium at the FIFA World Cup 2018. Out of the blue, Eden Hazard was looking to leave Chelsea after many years. Real Madrid did not hesitate as they spent £ 120 million on his transfer. Hazard donned the number 7 shirt ( Cristiano Ronaldo's number) when he joined Real Madrid in 2019. His lack of fitness and many injuries ruined his career at Real Madrid.

Hazard only managed to score 7 goals and has 11 assists in 72 appearances for Real Madrid. Once a god at Chelsea is now one of the biggest flops in football.