Top 10 most selfish players in football history
Legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo & Neymar have even not escaped criticism.
Football, often celebrated as the ultimate team sport, thrives on collaboration, strategy, and shared goals among eleven players working in harmony to secure victory. However, the game has occasionally been marked by individuals who prioritize personal glory or self-interest above collective success.
This behavior, though rare, has led to certain players being branded as “selfish” despite their undeniable talent and contributions to the sport. Interestingly, even some of the most iconic figures in football history—legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar have not escaped criticism for their perceived self-centered tendencies.
In this feature, we delve into the narratives surrounding some of the most infamous “selfish” players in football history. We explore how their actions, both on and off the pitch, have sparked debate, challenged team dynamics, and sometimes overshadowed their otherwise illustrious careers. Let’s uncover what defines selfishness in the beautiful game and how it has shaped the legacies of these controversial yet extraordinary athletes.
10. Nani
Nani, the Portuguese winger from Amadora, has long been the subject of debate for his perceived self-centered attitude, both on and off the pitch. Renowned for his flamboyant playing style and moments of brilliance, his tendency to celebrate goals with ostentatious displays, such as his signature backflips and pointing to his name on the back of his jersey, has often been cited as evidence of a narcissistic streak. Critics argue that these gestures symbolize an individualistic mindset, overshadowing the contributions of his teammates to the collective success.
Off the pitch, Nani’s name has not been free from controversy either. Recently, he found himself embroiled in a bizarre incident where he was accused of taking a fan’s shirt, resulting in an altercation with a police officer. While his skill and talent have left an indelible mark on clubs like Manchester United and the Portuguese national team, these contentious episodes have cast a shadow over his legacy, portraying him as a player whose self-absorption often eclipsed his footballing genius.
9. Joey Barton
Joey Barton, an enigmatic figure in football history, remains one of the sport’s most polarizing personalities due to his turbulent behaviour both on and off the pitch. Known for his combative playing style and volatile temperament, Barton’s career has been overshadowed by numerous controversies, including a notorious incident in December 2007, where he was accused of punching a man 20 times and assaulting a teenager. This altercation resulted in a six-month jail sentence, casting a long shadow over his professional achievements.
Despite showcasing undeniable talent during his playing days for clubs like Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley, and Rangers, Barton’s self-destructive tendencies and ego frequently hindered his career progression. His leadership roles as a manager for Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers have seen flashes of promise, but his toxic reputation often precedes him.
While Barton’s on-field abilities could have cemented a legacy as a distinguished footballer, his erratic behaviour and self-centred nature have ensured his name is more often associated with controversy than with sporting greatness. His story serves as a cautionary tale about how unchecked ego and volatile behaviour can derail even the most promising careers.
8. Daniel Sturridge
Daniel Sturridge, the talented striker from Birmingham, has often found himself under scrutiny for his perceived reluctance to share the ball with teammates, earning a reputation for prioritizing individual glory over collective success. Despite showcasing immense skill and enjoying a promising career with top clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Bolton Wanderers, his tendency to opt for solo efforts rather than team play overshadowed his accomplishments at times.
Beyond his on-pitch criticisms, Sturridge faced significant off-field controversy when he was handed a four-month ban from football for breaching betting regulations. This incident further tarnished his professional image, adding a layer of notoriety to a career that had once shown the potential to reach extraordinary heights. While his moments of brilliance remain memorable, his attitude and personal setbacks have left a complicated legacy in the footballing world.
7. Luis Suarez
Luis Suárez, one of Uruguay’s most decorated footballers, has often found his brilliance on the pitch overshadowed by moments of controversy, many of which stem from his reputation for selfish and ego-driven behaviour. Despite being celebrated for his extraordinary talent, vision, and goal-scoring prowess, Suárez’s name frequently surfaces in discussions about players whose actions sometimes prioritize personal gain over the team’s collective interest.
His tenure at Liverpool was marred by several incidents, including racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra in 2011, an act that earned him an eight-match ban. He compounded his reputation as a divisive figure when he bit Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanović during a Premier League match in 2013. Shockingly, this wasn’t an isolated incident, Suárez had previously bitten PSV’s Otman Bakkal during his time at Ajax and would later bite Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup.
6. Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben, the iconic Dutch winger, has often been a focal point of discussions not just for his dazzling skills but also for his perceived selfishness on the field. Renowned for his trademark left-footed cuts and long-range strikes, Robben frequently opted to take matters into his own hands rather than pass to teammates in better positions. This approach, while yielding stunning goals and match-winning performances, often drew criticism for being overly self-centred and detrimental to team dynamics.
His insistence on prioritizing individual brilliance over collaborative play further fueled his reputation as a narcissistic figure in football. In a bold statement during an interview with Kicker, a prominent German magazine, Robben unabashedly defended his approach, asserting that selfishness was, in fact, a virtue in his style of play. This unapologetic perspective not only highlighted his unyielding confidence but also cemented his image as one of football’s most polarizing figures.
5. Samuel Eto’o
Samuel Eto’o, the iconic Cameroonian forward, has undoubtedly etched his name into football history with remarkable achievements, but his career has not been without its fair share of controversy. A figure synonymous with success at clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, Eto’o’s legacy as one of the most gifted strikers of his generation has been marred by allegations that challenge his character and professional integrity.
In recent years, Eto’o has faced serious accusations, including claims of match-fixing, physical threats, and inciting violence. These allegations have led to a file being sent to FIFA’s Ethics Committee, further complicating his image. The accusations have cast a shadow over his achievements on the field, forcing fans and pundits to reassess his legacy.
Furthermore, Eto’o’s relationship with money has often been scrutinized. Reports from his time at various clubs, particularly during his stint with Manchester City, suggest that he was deeply focused on financial incentives. Despite a stellar career at top clubs, Eto’o reportedly asked for a significant salary increase when Manchester City expressed interest in signing him after his successful spells at Barcelona and Inter Milan. This move was widely interpreted as a sign of disloyalty and a lack of passion for the game, raising questions about his true motivations as a player.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese maestro renowned for his extraordinary footballing genius and unparalleled goal-scoring prowess, has occasionally found himself embroiled in controversies surrounding his perceived self-centred approach. His competitive mindset, a trait that has propelled him to the zenith of footballing glory, has often been misinterpreted as selfishness, sparking debates among fans, critics, and pundits alike.
Ronaldo’s relentless drive to excel on the pitch is undeniable, and he has frequently silenced critics with his staggering achievements and record-breaking performances. Yet, this unwavering determination has also attracted scrutiny. While at Juventus, former footballer Antonio Cassano publicly criticized Ronaldo, remarking, “He has always been selfish. He does not care if others score; he only lives to score himself. He does not live for football; he lives for his own goals.”
More recently, his tumultuous exit from Manchester United following disagreements with manager Erik ten Hag further fueled the narrative of Ronaldo’s supposed ego-driven approach. The fallout showcased a clash of ideologies, as Ronaldo’s desire for prominence and playing time conflicted with the managerial vision.
3. Neymar
Neymar Jr., the Brazilian virtuoso celebrated for his dazzling skill set and innate footballing brilliance, has often been at the centre of debates regarding his personality on and off the pitch. Critics argue that Neymar’s propensity for excessive dribbling and his reluctance to release the ball in crucial moments have occasionally hindered team dynamics, painting him as a player more concerned with the spotlight than collective triumph. Such behaviour, some contend, earned him the label of a “selfish brat,” with detractors pointing to instances where his pursuit of individual glory came at the expense of his team’s objectives.
The purported friction between Neymar and his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappé further intensified this narrative. Reports suggested that Mbappé harboured frustrations over Neymar’s on-field approach, prompting then-manager Mauricio Pochettino to mediate and restore harmony. These tensions highlighted the challenges of balancing egos in a star-studded lineup.
More recently, Neymar’s decision to leave the competitive cauldron of European football for a lucrative move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia has been perceived by many as prioritizing financial gain over professional aspirations. For some, this move underscores a self-serving mentality, overshadowing his legacy as a player of extraordinary talent.
2. Mohammed Salah
Liverpool’s talisman, Mohamed Salah, often hailed as a modern-day great, has faced criticism from certain quarters for his supposed selfishness on the pitch, despite his extraordinary contributions to the club. Recently, Liverpool legend Graham Souness labelled Salah as “the most selfish player I have ever seen,” adding fuel to an already divisive narrative surrounding the Egyptian forward’s playing style.
While Salah’s numbers, consistently registering 3-4 shots per game and maintaining remarkable scoring records, validate his status as one of the Premier League’s elite, critics argue that his single-minded pursuit of goals sometimes comes at the expense of team dynamics. His tendency to take shots in situations where teammates are better positioned has often sparked debates about his perceived self-centred approach. This narrative was further exacerbated by moments where Salah appeared reluctant to pass the ball, prioritizing personal glory over collaborative success.
Interestingly, despite Salah’s brilliance, Liverpool‘s apparent hesitation in extending his contract has raised eyebrows. Some speculate that the club might be considering a transition to a centre-forward with a more team-oriented playing style, particularly in light of their long-term vision under Arne Slot.
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović, often hailed as one of the most talented and charismatic players to grace the footballing world, is undoubtedly a figure whose legacy is entwined with controversy, arrogance, and egotism. While many may label him a legend or even a king of the sport, his reputation for being one of the most self-centred and ego-driven footballers in history is indisputable. Zlatan’s larger-than-life persona has garnered as much attention as his skill on the pitch, and often, his behaviour off it has overshadowed his footballing brilliance.
Ibrahimović’s self-assured attitude, which some attribute to his successful PR campaigns, is rooted in a history of outrageous acts and statements that have fueled the narrative of his arrogance. One of the most infamous incidents occurred in 2004 during his time at Ajax, when he threatened to break Rafael van der Vaart’s leg, further solidifying his reputation as a player whose ego often trumped his professionalism. His record of volatile behaviour didn’t end there, with reports of him physically confronting teammates, such as an altercation with his fellow striker at Ajax. These actions only added fuel to the fire of the argument that Zlatan’s approach to football was often more about his personal ego than the team’s collective success.
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