In the previous article, we explored the realm of underrated virtual football players. Just as some players are underrated, others are highly regarded, boasting impressive statistics. These players are highly sought after in the transfer market, commanding substantial fees. Notably, some of these players have had long careers and may even be considered legends. Can you guess whom Wintips admin is referring to? Let's find out together through the list of overrated fantasy football players right below.
The overrated fantasy football players in the world
1. Lionel Messi
Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. However, there's a lesser-known record that truly highlights Messi’s greatness. Specifically, the Argentine superstar holds the record for the longest gap (14 years) between two Ballon d'Or wins.
Winning eight Ballon d'Or titles over 14 years, spanning three decades, both internationally and at the club level, is a rare feat that showcases unparalleled dominance in any field. Moreover, the holder of this record is hailed as a genius, yet he has faced numerous real-life challenges. He experienced moments of despair and hardship, yet he managed to rise above adversity.
2. Kylian Mbappe - One of the overrated fantasy football players
Kylian Mbappe is a French footballer who plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the French national team. Born in 1998, he is widely regarded as one of the most talented young footballers today. Mbappe began his professional career at AS Monaco. Despite his young age, the forward secured a starting position at the club, playing a key role in AS Monaco's Ligue 1 triumph in the 2016–17 season.
Since joining PSG, Mbappe has gradually proved himself to be one of the best forwards in the world. Not only has he won multiple Ligue 1 titles and French Cups, but he has also been honored twice as Ligue 1's "Player of the Season." He is also a key player for the French national team, contributing significantly to France’s triumph in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
3. Kevin De Bruyne - Among the overrated fantasy football players
Kevin De Bruyne's versatility and skills have been extensively discussed, especially in high-stakes tournaments, where he consistently showcases his dominance against opponents. In recent seasons, Manchester City has consistently staged remarkable comebacks, even after struggling in the first half of the season, to secure major trophies.
De Bruyne's goals and assists provide Manchester City with an endless source of energy, driving them forward during the crucial stages of the season. The Belgian midfielder's star quality shines brightest in matches against the Big Six, earning him widespread recognition from fans.
4. Manuel Neuer
Few players embody FC Bayern's remarkable success in recent years as strongly as Manuel Neuer. Since joining Bayern Munich from Schalke in 2011, the goalkeeper has defined an era at the club. On November 28, 2023, Manuel Neuer extended his contract with Bayern Munich until June 30, 2025. FC Bayern's official website commemorated this event by highlighting the achievements of the 37-year-old goalkeeper.
Manuel Neuer has accumulated 29 titles in his 12 years at Bayern, including two treble-winning seasons in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League in 2013 and 2020. Since joining Bayern, Manuel Neuer has set and broken multiple records, notably holding the record for the most clean sheets in the top five European leagues.
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5. Cristiano Ronaldo - Among the overrated fantasy football players
Born on February 5, 1985, Cristiano Ronaldo is a professional footballer from Portugal. He began his career with Sporting CP in Portugal and rose to fame after joining Manchester United in 2003. CR7 enjoyed six successful seasons before joining Real Madrid in 2009, where he solidified his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
In 2018, Ronaldo joined Juventus and won two Serie A titles. In 2021, he thrilled Manchester United fans by choosing to return to his former club. During his time at Real Madrid, Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or four times. He secured four Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and numerous other accolades, both major and minor.
6. Thibaut Courtois - One of the overrated fantasy football players
Courtois became the first goalkeeper in Champions League history to make nine saves in a single final. Before him, Alisson (2018/19 final) and Edwin van der Sar (2010/11 final) held the record with eight saves in a Champions League final.
Since the prestigious European competition was renamed the Champions League, there have been only a few cases of goalkeepers delivering such stellar performances in a 90-minute match. Out of Liverpool's 24 attempts on goal against Real Madrid, nine were on target. Among those nine shots on target, at least three were clear chances that Courtois brilliantly denied.
7. Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski was born into a family with a strong sporting background. His father, Krzysztof, was a former judo champion and also a footballer who played for Hutnik Warsaw. Lewandowski's mother, Iwona, was a volleyball player. His younger sister, Milena, later followed in her mother's footsteps and became a professional volleyball player.
Lewandowski's success is also largely attributed to his wife, Anna, particularly in the area of physical conditioning. Anna, a former karate athlete and silver medalist at the 2009 Karate World Cup, is also an expert in nutrition, fitness, and health, holding a degree in physical education. She has authored books on fitness and produced exercise videos.
8. Karim Benzema - One of the overrated fantasy football players
Karim Benzema's ability to adapt his playing style to complement any teammate at Real Madrid has established him as one of the most complete strikers in the world, particularly on the grand stage of the Champions League. Chelsea won their first two Champions League titles after making managerial changes mid-season (in 2012 and 2021).
This season, the dismissals of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, followed by Frank Lampard’s appointment as head coach, might be the catalyst for Chelsea fans to hope for a third Champions League title in club history. However, they face a formidable challenge against Real Madrid, led by the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, Karim Benzema. Real Madrid’s 14 titles are a testament to their illustrious history in European competition.
9. Jude Bellingham - Among the overrated fantasy football players
Above all, Bellingham is regarded as a promising talent ("Il Fenomeno" or "El Fenomeno" in Spanish). The Italian press gave him this nickname after his outstanding performance at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, inspired by the legendary Ronaldo de Lima. The word "potential" is key, as consistency is what ultimately transforms a great player into a champion.
In this case, we must wait at least until the end of Bellingham's first season at Real Madrid, spanning La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. Jude Bellingham is undoubtedly "astonishing everyone," as Carlo Ancelotti remarked after Real Madrid's 3-2 victory over Napoli in the Champions League group stage.
10. Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland is a striker currently playing for both the Norwegian national team and Manchester City. Haaland was born on July 21, 2000, in Leeds, England. At that time, his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was playing for Leeds United. Erling Haaland grew up in Bryne, Norway, and was introduced to football at a young age. Haaland admires both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
However, the name he mentions most frequently is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. His goal with a karate-style kick against Dortmund in September 2022 showed that the Norwegian striker has learned a lot from Ibra. The Swedish player has enjoyed a brilliant career. At the age of 40, he continues to present significant challenges for defenders in Serie A.
Conclusion
In fantasy football, overrated players are common, with their hype often not aligning with their actual performance on the field. While some may attract high expectations due to their reputation or past achievements, their current form may not always justify the praise. Fantasy football managers must carefully evaluate players based on their current statistics, form, and potential for consistent performance. Being mindful of overrated players can help managers make more informed decisions, ultimately leading to greater success in their fantasy leagues.
See also: Ranking of the most overrated soccer players in history
