17 Football Superstars Who Clashed with Their Managers

February 13, 2025 Editorial team

When football’s biggest stars are managed by equally big personalities, it doesn’t always end well.

There are countless examples in the football world where top players have struggled to coexist with high-profile managers.

Here, we guide you through 17 dramatic episodes where superstars and managers clashed.

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Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Erik ten Hag (Manchester United)

Ronaldo had a highly publicized fallout with Ten Hag in 2022, refusing to come on as a substitute and leaving the stadium before the match ended. He later gave an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, criticizing both the manager and the club, which led to his contract being terminated.

Zlatan Ibrahimović vs. Pep Guardiola (Barcelona)

Zlatan and Guardiola had a frosty relationship at Barcelona, with Zlatan feeling sidelined by Guardiola’s tactical preferences and favoritism towards Lionel Messi. He later criticized Guardiola in his autobiography “I Am Zlatan” and in multiple interviews.

Paul Pogba vs. José Mourinho (Manchester United)

Jose Mourinho — Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

Pogba and Mourinho had a tense relationship at Manchester United, with Mourinho stripping Pogba of his vice-captaincy. Their strained relationship was evident in training ground footage, showing an icy exchange between the two. Pogba later criticized Mourinho publicly after the manager was sacked.

Roy Keane vs. Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United)

Keane and Ferguson were once a formidable duo, but Keane’s outspoken criticism of teammates and the club led to a dramatic fallout. Ferguson ultimately dismissed Keane from the squad, and their relationship has remained bitter ever since.

Lionel Messi vs. Luis Enrique (Barcelona)

In 2015, Messi had a heated conflict with Luis Enrique, reportedly threatening to leave the club over internal disagreements. However, the issues were resolved, and Barcelona went on to win the treble that same year.

Diego Costa vs. Antonio Conte (Chelsea)

Costa and Conte were openly at odds, culminating in Conte sending Costa a text message informing him that he was no longer needed at the club. Costa was furious and refused to return from Brazil until he was sold back to Atlético Madrid.

Samuel Eto’o vs. Pep Guardiola (Barcelona)

Eto’o felt undervalued by Guardiola, who he believed favored Thierry Henry. Eto’o publicly criticized Guardiola’s coaching style before being sold to Inter Milan, where he went on to win the treble under José Mourinho.

Carlos Tevez vs. Roberto Mancini (Manchester City)

Tevez refused to come on as a substitute during a Champions League match, leading to a massive fallout with Mancini. The Argentine striker was suspended and took an extended leave in Argentina before eventually leaving the club.

David Beckham vs. Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United)

Beckham’s relationship with Ferguson soured, reaching a breaking point when Ferguson kicked a boot in the dressing room that struck Beckham above the eye. Shortly after, Beckham was sold to Real Madrid.

Mario Balotelli vs. Roberto Mancini (Manchester City)

Balotelli and Mancini had a volatile relationship, which peaked when they were caught in a heated training ground scuffle. Mancini later admitted that Balotelli was “impossible to manage” and sold him to AC Milan.

Romelu Lukaku vs. Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea)

Lukaku caused a stir in 2021 when he gave an interview criticizing Tuchel’s tactics and expressing regret about leaving Inter Milan. He was subsequently dropped from the squad for a game against Liverpool before being loaned back to Inter.

Mesut Özil vs. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)

Özil was frozen out of Arteta’s squad despite being one of Arsenal’s key players in previous seasons. Reports suggested his exclusion was due to political reasons and his public criticism of China’s treatment of Uighurs. He later left for Fenerbahçe.

Adriano vs. José Mourinho (Inter Milan)

Adriano’s lack of discipline and off-field issues led to friction with Mourinho, who questioned his professionalism. The Brazilian striker eventually left the club, with Mourinho stating he could not rely on him.

Nicolas Anelka vs. Raymond Domenech (France)

During the 2010 World Cup, Anelka had a furious argument with French coach Raymond Domenech at halftime against Mexico. He was sent home from the tournament, triggering a player revolt that led to the entire squad boycotting training.

Gareth Bale vs. Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid)

Bale and Zidane had a strained relationship, with Zidane frequently benching Bale despite his proven ability. Bale responded by celebrating with a “Wales. Golf. Madrid.” banner, hinting at his priorities.

Joey Barton vs. Alan Shearer (Newcastle United)

After a poor performance against Aston Villa in 2009, Barton clashed with interim manager Alan Shearer in a heated dressing room exchange. He was subsequently suspended and left the club soon after.

Kylian Mbappé vs. Christophe Galtier (PSG)

Mbappé had reported tensions with Galtier over his tactical role and frustration with the club’s overall direction. Rumors surfaced that he wanted to leave mid-season, further fueling speculation of a rift between the two.

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