Who is the worst soccer player in the world? This is a question that has been asked by many soccer fans and experts alike. While it is difficult to determine who exactly holds this title, there are certainly some candidates who have made a strong case for themselves.
One way to determine the worst soccer player in the world is by looking at their performance on the field. This includes factors such as the number of goals scored, assists made, and overall contribution to the team. Another way to evaluate a player is by considering their behavior off the field, including any controversies or scandals they may have been involved in. However, it is important to note that these factors alone do not necessarily make a player the worst in the world. I have focused here on a combination of the transfer sum and the performances in goals, assists, but also the general impact on the game
Ultimately, the title of “worst soccer player in the world” is subjective and open to interpretation. While some may argue that a particular player is the worst based on their performance or behavior, others may disagree. It is up to each individual to decide who they believe deserves this title, if anyone at all.
The 10 Worst Soccer Transfers
Soccer fans have witnessed some of the most incredible transfers in the history of the sport. From multi-million dollar deals to shock moves, the transfer market has always been a source of excitement and anticipation. However, for every successful transfer, there are always a few that fail to live up to expectations. In this section, we’ll take a look at the 10 worst soccer transfers of all time.
1. Eden Hazard
London 2019. Chelsea finish third in the league, with in their ranks, at the time, one of the best players in the world and a future royal, following in the footsteps of Ronaldo and co. Eden Hazard. 115 million transfer fee and one summer break later, Hazard shows up at Madrid with visible excess weight. 5 years, 13 scorers in 54 La Liga games and a 92.5 percent drop in market value later, we have witnessed one of the biggest downfalls in soccer history and one of the worst and most unprofessional players in the world
All this converted into figures: Real Madrid paid €31,000 for a minute of play, €1.6m for each stake and €16.4m for each goal (transfer fee only). In addition, there was a weekly salary of 400 thousand euros.
2. Sebastian Rudy
Sebastian Rudy’s transfer to Schalke 04 from Bayern Munich was a significant move for the Gelsenkirchen club, but it ultimately became one of the less successful deals for the player. The reported €16 million transfer fee was divided over four years due to the club’s high level of debt, reflecting the financial strain the acquisition placed on Schalke.
However, within a year, it became evident that Rudy was not the right fit for the team. Despite efforts to offload him, there were no takers, and Schalke could only secure loan deals for him by continuing to cover his entire salary. This situation had a severe impact on the club’s financial stability, contributing to the precarious financial position that nearly pushed Schalke into insolvency.
Rudy’s time at Schalke did not meet the anticipated impact, as he struggled to consistently demonstrate his previous form. Despite high hopes, he failed to become a pivotal figure in Schalke’s midfield. Ultimately, his contribution did not align with the expectations set upon his arrival. This transfer outcome reflects a missed opportunity for both the player and the club, with Rudy’s time at Schalke not living up to the initial expectations and significantly impacting the club’s financial situation.
3. Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire has proven his defensive prowess in the Premier League, particularly during his time at Leicester. However, his subsequent move to Manchester United for a record fee has been widely regarded as a colossal waste of money, with a series of disappointing performances and notable errors overshadowing his tenure at the club.
Despite the excessive abuse he has received from some fans, the decision to appoint him as club captain has been heavily criticized, and it is unlikely that United will recoup even half of the £80 million ($100 million) they paid for him if they manage to offload him before the transfer window closes.
4. Coutinho
Liverpool’s acquisition of Philippe Coutinho stands as one of the most significant transfers in the club’s history, while it represents one of the worst deals for Barcelona. The Blaugrana agreed to an initial fee of €120 million (£100 million/$130 million), with potential bonuses amounting to €40 million (£34 million/$43 million) for a player who did not address a pressing need for the team.
Coutinho’s role at Barcelona remained ambiguous, as he was neither clearly an attacker nor a midfielder. Despite this uncertainty, the club’s former president, Bartomeu, pursued the Brazilian vigorously. However, Coutinho’s most notable contribution during his four-year tenure at Barcelona was scoring two goals against the Catalans while on loan to Bayern Munich in 2020.
Following years of attempting to offload Coutinho, Barcelona eventually allowed him to join Aston Villa for a mere €20 million (£17 million/$21.5 million) in 2022, as part of their efforts to regain financial stability after facing near-bankruptcy under Bartomeu’s leadership.
5. Luka Jovic
Luka Jovic’s transfer to Real Madrid from Eintracht Frankfurt was highly anticipated, as the young Serbian had become one of the hottest forwards in 2018/19, scoring an impressive 27 goals for Frankfurt. Real Madrid made a significant investment in Jovic as part of their last major spending spree before the pandemic, viewing him as cover and a long-term successor for Karim Benzema.
However, in his first season at Real Madrid, Jovic struggled with injuries and was given limited opportunities to impress, managing to score just twice in 27 appearances. His challenges were further compounded by a pandemic-related lockdown breach scandal, which even involved the Serbian Prime Minister.
Jovic’s subsequent move to Florenz in 2022 on a free transfer, with his market value plummeting from €60 million to €8 million, further underscores the underwhelming outcome of his time at Real Madrid.
6. Jonathan Woodgate
Jonathan Woodgate’s transfer from Newcastle United to Real Madrid in 2004 was met with high expectations, as the English defender was seen as a promising talent. Real Madrid made a significant investment in Woodgate, signing him for a transfer fee of £13.4 million. However, his time at Real Madrid was marred by persistent injury struggles, which severely limited his playing time and impact on the team.
Woodgate’s tenure at Real Madrid was plagued by a series of injuries, preventing him from making a substantial contribution to the team. His limited appearances and struggles to maintain fitness led to a disappointing outcome for both the player and the club. Despite the initial anticipation surrounding his arrival, Woodgate’s time at Real Madrid did not align with the expectations set for a player of his caliber.
Following his challenging spell at Real Madrid, Woodgate’s market value and overall impact declined, and he eventually moved on to other clubs. The transfer is remembered as a missed opportunity for Real Madrid and a period of unfulfilled potential for Woodgate, who was unable to make a lasting impression at the prestigious club. This transfer was dubbed the worst transfer of the 21st century by the Spanish media
7. Eliaquim Mangala
Eliaquim Mangala’s transfer from Valencia to Manchester City in 2014 was a highly anticipated move, as the French defender was considered a promising talent. Manchester City made a significant investment in Mangala, signing him for a reported fee of £31.8 million. However, his time at Manchester City did not meet the high expectations set for him.
Mangala’s tenure at Manchester City was marked by inconsistency and a failure to establish himself as a key figure in the team’s defense. Despite the initial anticipation surrounding his arrival, Mangala struggled to consistently demonstrate his best form and was unable to secure a regular place in the starting lineup.
As a result, his impact on the team did not align with the expectations set for a player of his caliber. Mangala’s underwhelming performance and inability to justify his transfer fee led to a disappointing outcome for both the player and the club. Ultimately, his time at Manchester City did not live up to the initial expectations, making his transfer a missed opportunity for all parties involved.
8. Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli’s transfer from AC Milan to Liverpool in 2014 was anticipated as he was brought in as a replacement for Luis Suarez, who had delivered an exceptional individual performance for Liverpool in the previous season. Suarez’s remarkable contributions had set a high standard, and Balotelli was expected to fill the void left by the Uruguayan striker.
However, Balotelli’s time at Liverpool turned out to be a disappointment, as he struggled to replicate his best form and make a significant impact on the pitch. His tenure at Liverpool highlighted the contrast between Suarez’s exceptional season and Balotelli’s inability to meet the high expectations set for him.
Balotelli’s underwhelming performance at Liverpool led to his reputation as a “one-season wonder,” and he failed to live up to the standards set by Suarez. Following his disappointing spell at Liverpool, Balotelli struggled to secure a prominent role in top-tier football, marking a significant downturn in his career trajectory. Ultimately, his transfer to Liverpool proved to be a missed opportunity for all parties involved, as he was unable to fulfill the expectations set for him.
9. Breno
“an absolute grenade, strong header, robust, fast, two-footed” was how Giovane Elber described the transfer at the time and convinced the Bayern management to fork out 14 million euros
Breno, a promising talent, made a high-profile move to Bayern Munich from Sao Paulo in 2008 for a reported fee of 14 million euros. However, his time at Bayern was plagued by recurring injuries, which hindered his ability to establish himself in the team. As a result, he was loaned to 1. FC Nürnberg during his tenure with Bayern.
In 2011, Breno’s situation took a dramatic turn for the worse when, under the influence of alcohol, he set fire to his own house. This incident led to legal repercussions, and despite Bayern Munich paying his bail, Breno was ultimately sentenced to prison the following year. Following his release from prison, the Brazilian defender returned to his homeland, marking a tumultuous and ultimately tragic chapter in his career at Bayern Munich.
10. Nico Schulz
Nico Schulz’s transfer from TSG Hoffenheim to Borussia Dortmund in 2019 was met with great anticipation, with the German left-back commanding a reported fee of around €25 million. However, his time at Borussia Dortmund failed to live up to the high expectations set for him.
Prior to the transfer, Schulz’s market value had peaked at €25 million, reflecting the confidence in his abilities at the time. However, within a year of his move, his market value had plummeted to €12 million, signaling a significant decline in his perceived worth. This substantial decrease in value highlighted the stark disparity between the initial anticipation surrounding his arrival and his actual impact at the club.
It became evident that Dortmund had acquired Schulz at the peak of his market value, only to realize that the investment did not yield the expected returns. Despite his potential, Schulz struggled to secure a regular place in the starting lineup and failed to deliver the anticipated impact on the pitch.
The significant drop in market value underscored the disappointment surrounding Schulz’s performance at Borussia Dortmund. His inability to justify the substantial transfer fee led to a disappointing outcome for both the player and the club. Ultimately, his time at Borussia Dortmund fell short of the initial expectations, making his transfer a missed opportunity for all parties involved.
My Opinion on Who is the Worst Soccer Player in the World
Anyone who is active in professional soccer can certainly not be one of the worst footballers in the world, but definitely one of the worst in the professional game. All the players listed here were at times part of these worst players in the professional game. There have certainly been many more cases and there will be many more in the future, so keep an eye on our top lists.
FAQ
Is Harry Maguire the worst Football player?
No, Harry Maguire is not the worst football player in the world. He is a talented central defender who has played for both Hull City and Manchester United. While he has had some poor performances, he is not the worst player in the world. There are many other players who have had more disastrous careers.
What was the worst transfer in soccer?
There have been many bad transfers in soccer, but one of the worst was the transfer of Ali Dia to Southampton in 1996. Dia had convinced Southampton manager Graeme Souness that he was a cousin of George Weah and had played for Paris Saint-Germain. However, he was actually a non-league player with no professional experience. He was brought on as a substitute in a Premier League game against Leeds United, but was so bad that he was substituted off just 20 minutes later. He was released by the club the following day, having played just one game.
What is your thoughts about who is the worst soccer player in the world? Let us know in the comments!
