The 10 Biggest Wasted Careers in Football History – Ranked

July 7, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Football is full of stories about players who had the world at their feet but couldn’t turn talent into lasting greatness. Whether due to off-field distractions, personal struggles, or cruel injuries, these players left fans wondering what might have been. Here’s a countdown of the 10 biggest wasted careers the sport has ever seen.

10. Royston Drenthe

Once hailed as one of the brightest Dutch prospects, Royston Drenthe landed at Real Madrid with huge expectations. But instead of focusing on his craft, he earned a reputation for poor discipline—arriving late, partying at odd hours, and failing to train seriously. His carefree approach saw a promising career fizzle out, leaving behind only stories of what might have been.

9. Freddy Adu

Dubbed “the next Pelé,” Freddy Adu was thrust into the global spotlight at just 14 when he debuted in MLS. Expectations skyrocketed, but the American prodigy struggled to cope with the pressure and failed to establish himself in Europe. By his early thirties, Adu was bouncing around lower-tier leagues, a shadow of the superstar many predicted.

8. Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere dazzled at 19, famously outshining Barcelona’s midfield in the Champions League. But a string of devastating injuries robbed him of his explosiveness and forced him into constant rehab. Retired and coaching by 32, Wilshere remains one of England’s most heartbreaking “what could have been” stories.

7. Antonio Cassano

Cassano was Italy’s golden boy, blessed with incredible vision and technique. But his love of nightlife and a poor diet constantly clashed with his football. Fines for being overweight and a string of off-field scandals turned his dream moves into disappointments, and he wound down his career at mid-table clubs instead of conquering Europe.

6. Adrian Mutu

Romanian striker Adrian Mutu lit up Serie A and arrived at Chelsea as a major star. However, after testing positive for cocaine, his contract was terminated, sparking a dramatic fall from grace. Although he later found some form in Italy, his repeated doping issues forever tainted a career that could have soared.

5. Adel Taarabt

On his day, Adel Taarabt was pure magic—a street footballer’s soul in a professional setting. But only at QPR under Neil Warnock did he truly shine, his dazzling runs and outrageous skill thrilling fans. Outside of that brief period, he struggled to deliver on his immense talent and faded into lower-profile leagues.

4. Dele Alli

Dele Alli burst onto the scene with fearless creativity and street-smart swagger that embarrassed top defenders. Sadly, personal battles stemming from a troubled childhood weighed him down. Though he’s shown incredible courage by speaking out, his career never matched the breathtaking early promise he displayed at Tottenham.

3. Mario Balotelli

Physically dominant and technically gifted, Mario Balotelli had everything to become a global superstar. Instead, bizarre off-field antics and a lack of focus derailed his trajectory. Despite winning the Premier League and Champions League, he’s remembered more for controversies than consistent brilliance—proof talent alone isn’t enough.

2. Ravel Morrison

Sir Alex Ferguson once told Rooney and Ferdinand to watch Ravel Morrison train, saying he was better than both at that age. Yet Morrison’s inability to act like a professional saw him play just three games for Manchester United before drifting through clubs worldwide. At 31, he’s in the UAE’s second division, a long way from his destined stardom.

1. Adriano

Adriano was set to be the next great Brazilian striker, combining power, speed, and lethal finishing—everything to become the world’s best. But after his father’s death, Adriano spiraled into depression and alcoholism, losing control of his life and career. What should have been a reign alongside legends like Ronaldo Nazário became football’s greatest “if only” tragedy.