
When Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were the biggest stars in football, many other talented players struggled to shine as brightly.
Even though they were really good, things like injuries, poor choices, or problems off the field held them back.
World-class footballers like Rumelu Lukaku, Robert Lewandowski, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and many more are evidence of the talent success of the age of football during the Messi-Ronaldo era.
This list looks at 20 world-class footballers who had the skills to be great but couldn’t reach their full potential because they were playing in the same era as Messi and Ronaldo.
20 World-Class Footballers Who Never Lived Up to Their Potential
1. Mario Balotelli
“Why Always Me?” – The Striker Who Had It All but Wasted It
Balotelli was an exceptional talent.
Fast, strong, and technically gifted, he was a natural goalscorer with the ability to change games single-handedly.
His performances for Inter Milan and Manchester City, including his famous two-goal display against Germany in Euro 2012, proved his world-class potential.

What Went Wrong?
- A history of off-field controversies and poor attitude.
- Clashes with managers like Roberto Mancini and Jürgen Klopp.
- Inconsistent performances due to a lack of discipline and work ethic.
Balotelli still had a respectable career, but he never became the generational striker many expected him to be.
2. Jack Wilshere
The Midfield Prodigy Who Could Have Been England’s Xavi
At 16, Wilshere was already playing for Arsenal’s first team.
His 2011 Champions League performance against Barcelona, where he outplayed Xavi and Iniesta, remains legendary.
With his close control, dribbling, and ability to dictate play, he was tipped to lead England’s midfield for the next decade.

What Went Wrong?
- A long list of injuries, including ankle and knee problems.
- Never had a consistent run of games at Arsenal.
- Later moved to West Ham and struggled with fitness before retiring at just 30.
Wilshere’s career is a sad reminder that injuries can ruin even the most promising talents.
3. Alexandre Pato
The Brazilian Wonderkid Who Peaked Too Early
When Pato burst onto the scene at AC Milan, he was unstoppable.
He won the Golden Boy award in 2009 and was expected to be Brazil’s next superstar. His blend of pace, dribbling, and finishing made him a nightmare for defenders.

What Went Wrong?
- Persistent injuries derailed his physical development.
- Lost confidence and sharpness after returning to Brazil too early.
- Failed stints at Chelsea and Villarreal further damaged his reputation.
Pato’s peak came too soon, and he never recovered from his early setbacks.
4. Adnan Januzaj
The Next Giggs Who Faded into Obscurity
Januzaj was Manchester United’s breakout star under David Moyes in 2013.
His dribbling and flair were compared to Ryan Giggs, and he was expected to be the club’s next great winger.

What Went Wrong?
- Poor decision-making in his career, including a failed Borussia Dortmund loan.
- Lost his place at United after managerial changes.
- Eventually faded into mid-table football with Real Sociedad.
A player once seen as United’s future ended up becoming a journeyman.
5. Theo Walcott
From Teenage Sensation to a Wasted Talent
Walcott was called up to England’s World Cup squad at just 17, before even making his Premier League debut.
His speed and finishing made him one of the most exciting young players in Europe.

What Went Wrong?
- Relied too much on pace and never improved his technical skills.
- Struggled with injuries throughout his career.
- Spent too many years at Arsenal without truly evolving as a player.
Walcott had a decent career but never became the world-class forward many expected.
6. Anderson
The Midfielder Who Was Supposed to Be the New Scholes
Arriving at Manchester United with high expectations, Anderson was a Brazilian midfielder with a blend of strength and creativity.
He played an integral role in United’s midfield during their successful campaigns, including their 2008 Champions League win.

What Went Wrong?
- Anderson’s physical fitness was a consistent problem. He frequently returned from off-seasons out of shape.
- Injuries took a toll on his game, limiting his pace and energy, both crucial aspects of his playing style.
- Eventually, he lost his place to younger, fitter midfielders.
Despite early promise, Anderson never fully lived up to the hype surrounding him when he arrived at Old Trafford.
7. Hatem Ben Arfa
The Mercurial Talent Who Never Took Football Seriously
With his dazzling dribbling skills and flair for the extraordinary, Ben Arfa was one of the most naturally gifted players of his generation.
His solo goals for Newcastle against Bolton and Blackburn were Messi-like in their execution, and at times, he looked unplayable.
What Went Wrong?
- Ben Arfa’s attitude and lack of professionalism led to constant fallouts with managers, including Alan Pardew and Laurent Blanc.
- His inconsistency was frustrating, as he could never maintain his top form for more than a few games.
- Injuries also played a part, preventing him from building momentum when he did find form.
While Ben Arfa enjoyed some moments of brilliance, his inability to maintain focus and professionalism limited his success.
8. Bojan Krkić
The “Next Messi” Who Couldn’t Handle the Pressure
Bojan was the crown jewel of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, and his record-breaking debut for the club suggested he was destined for greatness.
At just 17, he broke Messi’s youngest goalscorer record and was seen as a generational talent.
What Went Wrong?
- Bojan struggled with the mental pressure of being compared to Messi. He admitted to suffering from anxiety, which affected his performance.
- Injuries also hampered his development, as he never regained the form of his early years.
- He became a journeyman, bouncing around clubs in Italy, the Netherlands, and MLS.
Bojan’s career is a cautionary tale of the burden that comes with early success and unrealistic expectations.
9. Giovani dos Santos
A Talented Playmaker Who Lacked Consistency
Dos Santos was one of the brightest talents to come out of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, and his technical ability and creativity earned him a move to Tottenham in 2008. He was expected to be a star for both club and country.
What Went Wrong?
- Dos Santos struggled to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League, and his time at Tottenham was marked by inconsistency and a lack of impact.
- He became a journeyman, playing in Spain, Mexico, and the MLS, but never fully realized his potential.
- Injuries and a lack of discipline also played a role in his decline.
Despite moments of brilliance, dos Santos never became the world-class playmaker he was tipped to be.
10. Ravel Morrison
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Greatest Talent, Wasted
Considered one of the most gifted players ever to come through Manchester United’s academy, Ravel Morrison was praised by Sir Alex Ferguson as having more natural ability than anyone he’d ever seen.
His technical skill, vision, and composure were unmatched at the youth level.
What Went Wrong?
- Off-field issues plagued Morrison throughout his career. Legal troubles and poor lifestyle choices overshadowed his footballing abilities.
- He lacked discipline and consistency, which limited his chances at United and later clubs like West Ham.
- Despite stints across various leagues, including Italy and Mexico, he never fulfilled his potential.
Morrison’s story is one of the biggest “what ifs” in modern football, a career that never took off despite enormous talent.
11. Dele Alli
From Spurs’ Golden Boy to Struggling at Everton
At his peak, Dele Alli was one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in Europe.
His performances for Tottenham, particularly during the 2016-17 season when he scored 18 Premier League goals, earned him comparisons to Frank Lampard.

What Went Wrong?
- Alli’s form dropped significantly after Mauricio Pochettino departed from Tottenham.
- His work ethic and commitment were often questioned by managers like José Mourinho.
- A lack of consistency and injuries contributed to his decline.
Alli tried to rebuild his career at Everton, but it’s unlikely he’ll ever reach the heights expected of him during his early Spurs years.
12. Anthony Martial
A Forward Who Never Found Consistency
Martial’s debut for Manchester United in 2015 was dreamlike, with a stunning solo goal against Liverpool.
His blend of pace, dribbling, and finishing made him one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards.
What Went Wrong?
- Martial has struggled with inconsistency throughout his career, often showing flashes of brilliance but never maintaining his form over a full season.
- Injuries and a lack of confidence have hampered his development.
- Martial’s work ethic and attitude have been questioned by multiple managers, including José Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
While Martial still has time to turn things around, his career so far has been a story of unfulfilled promise.
13. Eden Hazard
A Legend at Chelsea, but a Disaster at Real Madrid
Hazard was one of the best players in the Premier League during his time at Chelsea, where his dribbling, creativity, and goalscoring ability made him a two-time PFA Player of the Year. His move to Real Madrid in 2019 was seen as the final step to superstardom.
What Went Wrong?
- Injuries have destroyed Hazard’s career at Real Madrid, with multiple ankle surgeries limiting his playing time.
- His fitness has often been questioned, with reports suggesting he arrived at Madrid overweight and lacking sharpness.
- Hazard has never been able to replicate his Chelsea form, and his time at Madrid has been a major disappointment.
Hazard’s career at Chelsea was legendary, but his move to Real Madrid has been one of the most high-profile failures in recent football history.
14. Ousmane Dembélé
Injuries Prevented Him from Being a Ballon d’Or Contender
After a sensational season at Borussia Dortmund, Dembélé earned a big-money move to Barcelona in 2017.
His dribbling, speed, and creativity made him one of the most promising wingers in the world.

What Went Wrong?
- Dembélé’s time at Barcelona has been plagued by injuries, particularly hamstring problems, which have severely limited his playing time.
- Despite showing flashes of brilliance, he has never been able to maintain consistent form due to his fitness issues.
- Off-field concerns, including poor discipline and a lack of professionalism, have also hampered his development.
Had Dembélé stayed fit, he could have been a genuine contender for the Ballon d’Or, but his career has been marred by injuries.
15. Philippe Coutinho
Barcelona Move Ruined a World-Class Playmaker
Coutinho was Liverpool’s talisman before his big-money move to Barcelona in 2018.
His dribbling, vision, and long-range shooting made him one of the Premier League’s most dangerous players, and his transfer was supposed to fill the void left by Neymar.

What Went Wrong?
- Coutinho struggled to adapt to Barcelona’s style of play, often looking lost and lacking the confidence he had at Liverpool.
- His time at Barcelona was marked by inconsistency and failed loan spells at Bayern Munich and Aston Villa.
- Injuries and a lack of form saw him fall out of favor at both club and international levels.
Coutinho’s decline was rapid after leaving Liverpool, and despite moments of brilliance, he never regained his world-class form.
16. Jesse Lingard
Never Quite Lived Up to Early Man United Promise
Lingard was a key part of Manchester United’s youth academy, and his breakthrough into the first team saw him score crucial goals in the FA Cup and League Cup finals.
His versatility and work ethic made him a valuable player for both United and England.

What Went Wrong?
- Lingard’s form dipped significantly after the 2018 World Cup, where he was a key player for England.
- A lack of consistency and confidence saw him lose his place in the United squad, and he was eventually loaned out to West Ham in 2021.
- While he enjoyed a successful loan spell at West Ham, he has struggled to maintain that form back at United.
Lingard has shown flashes of his talent, but he has never consistently delivered at the highest level.
17. Marco Asensio
Looked Like a Future Madrid Legend Before Injuries
Asensio burst onto the scene at Real Madrid with a stunning goal in the 2016 UEFA Super Cup, and he was tipped to become the next great attacking midfielder for the club.
His long-range shooting and vision made him one of Spain’s brightest talents.

What Went Wrong?
- A cruciate ligament injury in 2019 sidelined Asensio for almost a year, and he has struggled to regain his form since.
- He has often been used as a squad player rather than a key starter at Madrid, limiting his opportunities to shine.
- Inconsistency and a lack of confidence have also played a role in his decline.
Asensio still has the potential to turn things around, but injuries have significantly hindered his development.
18. Renato Sanches
Euro 2016’s Brightest Young Star Who Lost His Way
At just 18, Sanches was a key part of Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning team, and his performances earned him a move to Bayern Munich.
His energy, power, and technical ability made him one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe.

What Went Wrong?
- Sanches struggled to adapt to life at Bayern Munich, where he found playing time hard to come by.
- A disastrous loan spell at Swansea City in 2017 further damaged his reputation.
- He has since revived his career at Lille, but he has never reached the heights expected after Euro 2016.
Sanches has shown flashes of his talent in recent years, but his early struggles at Bayern prevented him from becoming one of Europe’s top midfielders.
19. Giovani Lo Celso
Technically Gifted but Never Reached World-Class Status
Lo Celso was seen as one of Argentina’s brightest young midfield talents, and his move to Tottenham in 2019 was supposed to elevate his career to the next level.
His dribbling, passing, and vision made him an exciting prospect.

What Went Wrong?
- Lo Celso has struggled with injuries during his time at Tottenham, limiting his ability to establish himself as a key player.
- He has been inconsistent, often drifting in and out of games, which has prevented him from reaching the world-class level expected of him.
- His future at Tottenham remains uncertain, as he has been loaned out to Villarreal and may not return to Spurs.
Lo Celso still has the potential to become a top midfielder, but his time at Tottenham has been marked by unfulfilled promises.
20. Neymar Jr.
The Superstar Who Should Have Been the Best in the World
At his best, Neymar was considered the third-best player in the world behind Messi and Ronaldo.
His dribbling, flair, and creativity made him one of the most exciting players to watch, and his role in Barcelona’s 2015 treble-winning season solidified his status as a generational talent.

What Went Wrong?
- Injuries consistently disrupted Neymar’s momentum, particularly during crucial Champions League campaigns.
- His move to PSG, while financially lucrative, saw him playing in a less competitive league.
- Off-field distractions and a party lifestyle contributed to a lack of professionalism at times.
Neymar had all the talent to win multiple Ballon d’Or, but his career has been defined by near-misses and unfulfilled potential.
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More details on Neymar
Neymar’s career has been plagued by injuries, especially during key moments like PSG’s Champions League campaigns and Brazil’s Copa America runs.
These injuries held him back from leading PSG to European success.
Off-field controversies, including partying and frequent trips to Brazil, also raised doubts about his focus and professionalism.
His move from Barcelona to PSG, a less competitive league, reduced his chances of winning a Ballon d’Or.
Had Neymar stayed healthy and more focused on football, he might have secured a Ballon d’Or, led PSG to the Champions League, and achieved international success with Brazil, possibly adding a World Cup or Copa América to his legacy.
A fully fit Neymar could have cemented his status among Brazil’s greatest, like Pelé and Ronaldo.
Conclusion
Football is full of “what if” stories and the careers of these players are prime examples of talent that was never fully realized.
Whether due to injuries, poor career choices, or mentality issues, these players never reached the heights they were expected to achieve.
While some of them still had respectable careers, they will always be remembered as players who could have been so much more.