The 20 Most Overrated Footballers According to AI – Ranked
In a sport fueled by emotion and legacy, few topics spark more debate than which players are truly world-class—and which are coasting on hype. From record-breaking transfers to national team icons, perceptions often outweigh performance.
But what happens when we remove the emotion and let artificial intelligence analyze the numbers? Based on performance data, consistency, output versus expectation, and career trajectories, AI has identified the 20 most overrated players in modern football.
The result is a list that’s both revealing and controversial—featuring rising stars, aging legends, and big-money signings who haven’t quite lived up to the billing. Here's the countdown, starting at number 20.
20. Fabio Carvalho – Brentford
Once hailed as a future star at Fulham, Fabio Carvalho’s big move to Liverpool didn’t produce the breakout many expected. His current spell at Brentford has been underwhelming, mostly limited to a rotational role. The early hype now seems premature.
Read also: The 50 Greatest Footballers of All Time - Ranked
19. Matthijs de Ligt – Manchester United
Despite expensive transfers to Bayern Munich and now Manchester United, De Ligt has struggled to reach elite levels. While solid, he hasn't become the world-class center-back his price tag promised. His career has been marked by unfulfilled expectations.
18. Jadon Sancho – Manchester United
Signed for £73 million, Sancho never hit his stride at United and didn’t shine on loan at Chelsea either. His decline from Dortmund prodigy to Premier League misfit is stark. A move abroad may be his only chance to revive his career.
17. Ousmane Dembélé – PSG
Although Dembélé has had flashes of brilliance, injuries and inconsistency have plagued his career. Despite a stellar 2025 season, his past struggles with fitness and output weigh heavily. AI remains skeptical of his overall value.
16. Gianluigi Donnarumma – PSG
After his heroics at Euro 2020, Donnarumma was expected to dominate. However, a string of high-profile errors in 2024/25 has damaged his standing. AI questions whether he has lived up to his “elite” reputation consistently.
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15. Mason Mount – Manchester United
Mount’s transfer to United has been marred by injuries and dips in form. Once considered Chelsea’s golden boy, his impact at Old Trafford has been minimal. AI sees him as a poor return on a £55 million investment.
14. João Félix – Chelsea / AC Milan
Despite a €113 million move to Atlético Madrid, Félix has never found true consistency. After a short Chelsea stint, he was loaned to AC Milan, continuing a pattern of unmet potential. AI highlights his inability to match his hype.
13. Timo Werner – Tottenham
Werner was prolific in Germany, but he has failed to replicate that form in England. With poor finishing and limited goal returns, his career at Chelsea and now Tottenham has disappointed. AI labels him a case of overestimated talent.
12. Raheem Sterling – Arsenal (loan)
Sterling’s best years seem far behind him. Once a key player for City and England, his 2025 loan to Arsenal has been forgettable. AI suggests the media still rates him higher than his current output deserves.
Read also: The 25 Best Strikers in World Football Right Now – Ranked
11. Casemiro – Manchester United
Once a dominant force in midfield, Casemiro has struggled with pace and positioning in 2025. His form has visibly declined, and he looks a shadow of his Real Madrid days. Yet, his reputation remains strong—too strong, according to AI.
10. Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool
Liverpool had high hopes when they signed Szoboszlai for £60 million, but his performances have tapered off. While technically gifted, he hasn't controlled games the way a marquee midfielder should. AI views his impact as limited.
9. Kepa Arrizabalaga – Chelsea
Kepa remains the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, but his performances have never justified the fee. Despite loan spells at Real Madrid and Bournemouth, inconsistency still defines him. AI questions why he’s still seen as a top keeper.
8. Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City / Ipswich
From the "Yorkshire Pirlo" to a forgotten man, Phillips’ career has unraveled since joining Manchester City. Loans to West Ham and Ipswich haven’t helped him regain form. AI sees his early hype as severely overstated.
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7. Antony – Manchester United
Antony’s £86 million move has not paid off. His flashy style hasn’t translated to goals or assists, and his predictability has drawn criticism. AI places him high on the list of United's most disappointing signings.
6. Richarlison – Tottenham
Richarlison was once seen as Brazil’s next big striker, but his finishing remains inconsistent. Despite hard work and flashes of talent, he hasn’t lived up to expectations at Spurs. AI sees him as all effort, little reward.
5. Paul Pogba – Juventus
Pogba’s talent is unquestioned, but his career has been disrupted by inconsistency, injuries, and off-field issues. Now sidelined by a doping ban, he’s a long way from his peak. AI sees his career as a missed opportunity.
4. Álvaro Morata – Galatasaray (loan)
Once Spain’s great hope, Morata has never been a reliable finisher. After short-lived stints at top clubs, his move to Galatasaray reflects a career of unfulfilled potential. AI sees him as a case of style over substance.
Read also: Ranking the 92 EFL and Premier League Clubs by Top-Flight Seasons
3. Jack Grealish – Manchester City
Grealish has struggled to justify his £100 million price tag at City. While good at keeping possession, his lack of goals and assists frustrates fans. AI believes his reputation far exceeds his output.
2. Marcus Rashford – Manchester United
Rashford’s career has been a rollercoaster. After an electric 2022/23, he regressed sharply in 2023/24. AI questions his commitment and consistency, calling his current level far below early expectations.
1. Neymar – Santos
Neymar tops the list. His record-breaking move to PSG set the bar sky-high, but injuries and a lack of major silverware have clouded his legacy. AI argues that while his talent is undeniable, his career didn’t deliver on the enormous promise.
