When we mention Ronaldo or Messi, we immediately think of them as legends of modern football. These superstars hold numerous records that may remain unbroken for a long time. However, you may not know that these two names are also among the ten most hated soccer players in the world. It sounds a bit funny and quite absurd, but it is true, listed by reputable newspapers. If you want to know who this list includes? Read on below.
Most hated soccer players - Who is that?
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has amassed countless individual and team accolades, notably four Ballon d'Ors and four Golden Shoes. Like Messi, Ronaldo also has many detractors. However, it is undeniable that Ronaldo is one of the most formidable goal-scoring machines of all time.
Ronaldo, along with Messi, is one of the few players who faces criticism for everything he does. No matter if they score or not, they still face criticism. Even when they score from penalties, they are ridiculed, and missing a penalty invites even harsher criticism. In short, anything they do becomes fuel for their critics to attack them relentlessly.
2. Lionel Messi
Right behind Ronaldo on the list of the most hated soccer players is his great rival, Lionel Messi. Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time, with tremendous influence in both sports and social spheres. However, like other famous figures, he also faces criticism and backlash from certain segments of the public.
Anti-fans of Lionel Messi often focus on issues such as tax evasion allegations, his past failures with the national team, and even aspects of his character. They are ready to find fault and criticize his every action and gesture, using them as justification for criticism and attacks. Nevertheless, Messi's significant influence in football and society cannot be denied. He was honored in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People list in both 2011 and 2012.
3. Luis Suarez
Luis Suárez, born on January 24, 1987, is one of the greatest forwards to come out of Uruguayan football. He excelled at Ajax and Liverpool before joining Barcelona and becoming one of the most prolific goal-scorers in history. Despite his talent, Suárez has been involved in multiple controversies. He is nicknamed the "Cannibal" due to his infamous biting incidents on the field.
Not only has he shocked the world with his actions on the pitch, but Suarez has also displayed moments of poor self-control and controversy, from punching opposing players to behaving rudely towards fans. With these notorious actions, Suarez has proven himself not only to be a football superstar but also a symbol of controversy and unsportsmanlike behavior in the world of football.
4. Diego Costa
The next name on the list of the most hated soccer players is Diego Costa. This forward has played for various teams before establishing himself as a top striker for Atlético Madrid. In the 2013-2014 season, Atlético Madrid won the La Liga title, with Costa playing a key role in their success. Following his success with Atlético Madrid, Costa transferred to Chelsea for £32.5 million.
In England, he not only excelled at scoring goals but also became notorious for his aggressive and controversial playing style. Fans in the UK particularly dislike Diego Costa for his confrontational nature and rough behavior on the pitch.
5. Pepe
Pepe was born on February 26, 1983, in Maceió, Brazil. At the age of 18, Pepe and a friend left Corinthians Alagoano’s youth team in Brazil and moved to Portugal to join C.S. Marítimo’s B team on the island of Madeira. Pepe developed as a player at Porto and is currently a key figure in Real Madrid’s defense.
He is a center-back renowned for his tough and aggressive playing style, which sometimes borders on violence. In many matches, Pepe has struggled to control himself and has engaged in malicious tackles and harsh challenges. He has even been involved in altercations with opponents, notably for intentionally stepping on Messi's hand during the 2012 season.
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6. Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets was born on July 16, 1988, in Sabadell, Spain. In 2005, Busquets joined FC Barcelona's youth team and quickly made an impression by scoring 7 goals in 26 matches for Juvenil A during the 2006-2007 season. Two years later, he moved up to Barcelona B under coach Josep Guardiola, helping them earn promotion to the third division.
During that season, he made his debut for the first team, and since then, Busquets has become one of the premier defensive midfielders in the world. However, apart from his footballing abilities, Busquets is also known for his theatrics on the field, especially in high-profile matches like El Clasico, with notorious instances of simulation. Not just in important matches, Busquets has increasingly tarnished his image with theatrics and simulation, making him a frequent target of fan criticism.
7. John Terry
Terry is Chelsea’s most successful captain, leading them to five Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, one UEFA Europa League, and one UEFA Champions League. He is one of five players to have made over 500 appearances for Chelsea and is also the club's highest-scoring defender of all time.
He is one of the foundational legends of Chelsea and one of the finest defenders in the history of the London club as well as the English national team. However, while Terry showcased immense talent on the field, off the pitch, the 1980-born defender was an entirely different person. He is notorious for being one of the most infamous partygoers in the English football scene.
8. Ashley Young
Ashley Young was born on July 9, 1985, in Stevenage, England. He primarily played as a left midfielder for Manchester United. Ashley Young is infamous for his theatrics. He often dives to earn fouls, cards, and penalties with great finesse. There have been numerous occasions when Young has faced criticism from Old Trafford fans for his diving theatrics.
Young has often been the focal point of criticism from both the media and online communities due to controversies surrounding his diving incidents on the field, which have likely contributed to his reputation as one of the most disliked players.
9. Daniel Alves
Born on May 6, 1983, in Bahia, Brazil, Daniel Alves is one of the most accomplished full-backs in football history. He is regarded as one of the best and most highly valued full-backs in the world. Daniel Alves has played for Sevilla FC and Barcelona, and he currently represents Juventus, achieving success and accolades at each club he has represented.
Beyond his talent, Dani Alves is also known as a 'performer' on the field. His dramatic falls and dives have often earned him free kicks, but this behavior has tarnished his image, making him a frequent target of mockery from fans worldwide. He is often regarded as one of the most notorious divers in football.
10. Joey Barton
The final name on the list of most hated soccer players is Joey Barton. Joey Barton was born on September 2, 1982, in Huyton, Merseyside. He began his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after progressing through its youth system.
Barton is notorious for being a violent player, frequently involved in altercations and even displaying erratic behavior. He has been convicted twice for physically assaulting individuals. Perhaps Joey Barton's case doesn’t require media attention to remain notorious, but he is still considered by football fans one of the most aggressive and despicable figures.
Conclusion
Above is a list of the Top 10 most hated soccer players in the world compiled by the Wintips website. In fact, in the world of football, almost every player has a certain number of detractors, not just the stars mentioned above. However, they also have dedicated fans who are always ready to support their favorite players anytime, anywhere. Which players on this list do you support, and which ones do you dislike? Let’s discuss with fellow fans.
See also: Top 10 worst football player in the Premier League ever
