Diego Maradona, Michel Platini, and Radja Nianggolan

Fame, Fortune, and Felonies: Football Players Who Crossed the Line

January 27, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Football is often seen as a sport that elevates players to the status of global icons, but not all stars manage to stay on the right side of the law. For some, the pressures of fame, wealth, and personal choices have led them into legal trouble, tarnishing their legacies. Below, we explore the stories of 15 footballers who made headlines not for their skills on the pitch, but for their run-ins with the authorities.

Radja Nainggolan

The Belgian midfielder, renowned for his tenacity on the field, was arrested in January 2025 in connection to a cocaine trafficking investigation. Authorities allege his involvement in a smuggling ring operating through Antwerp’s port. The operation led to the search of 30 homes and uncovered significant links to South America. This scandal has shocked football fans and cast a shadow over Nainggolan’s illustrious career. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

Quincy Promes

Dutch international Quincy Promes was sentenced in 2024 to six years in prison for his involvement in smuggling 1,360 kilograms of cocaine. The drugs were transported from Antwerp to the Netherlands in 2020. Despite his talent on the field, his off-field activities have severely damaged his reputation. Promes, who previously played for Ajax and Spartak Moscow, has yet to appeal the verdict. His case highlights the stark consequences of illegal activities.

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Jermaine Pennant

Jermaine Pennat playing for Real Zaragoza — Maxisport / Shutterstock.com

Once a promising English winger, Jermaine Pennant faced legal trouble in 2005 when he was jailed for drink-driving. He crashed his friend’s car into a lamppost and fled the scene, leading to a 30-day prison sentence. Pennant later became the first Premier League player to play while wearing an electronic tag. Despite his troubled past, he managed to revive his career, although the incident remains a stain on his record.

Dani Alves

Brazilian star Dani Alves, celebrated for his success with clubs like Barcelona and PSG, was arrested in 2023 for alleged sexual assault. The incident reportedly occurred at a nightclub in Barcelona, where a woman accused him of inappropriate conduct. Alves has denied the allegations, but his multiple changes in testimony have raised questions. His case has disrupted his otherwise stellar career and placed his legacy under scrutiny.

René Higuita

Known for his eccentric style as a goalkeeper, Colombian legend René Higuita was jailed in 1993 for his involvement in a kidnapping case. He reportedly acted as a mediator in a ransom deal involving Pablo Escobar. While Higuita claimed his intentions were good, his association with Colombia’s criminal underworld led to a seven-month sentence. Despite the controversy, he remains a beloved figure in football.

George Best

Northern Irish icon George Best, often regarded as one of football’s greatest talents, struggled with alcoholism throughout his life. In 1984, he was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison for drunk driving and assaulting a police officer. The conviction underscored his personal battles, which sadly overshadowed his legendary career. Best’s story serves as a reminder of the toll fame can take on even the most gifted athletes.

Duncan Ferguson

Scottish striker Duncan Ferguson was infamous for his physicality on the pitch, but it also got him in trouble off it. In 1994, he was jailed for three months after headbutting an opponent during a game. This incident marked the first time a footballer in the UK was convicted for an on-field act of violence. Ferguson later turned his career around and became a respected coach, but the incident remains part of his legacy.

Patrick Kluivert

Dutch star Patrick Kluivert was involved in a fatal car crash in 1996 that resulted in the death of a man. He was convicted of negligent driving and sentenced to 240 hours of community service. Kluivert expressed deep remorse for the tragedy, which haunted him throughout his career. Despite the incident, he continued to achieve success as a player and later as a coach.

Ronaldinho

Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, known for his dazzling skills, shocked the world when he was arrested in Paraguay in 2020. He and his brother were caught entering the country with fake passports, leading to a five-month jail sentence. Fans were surprised by his actions, as he had no apparent need for false documents. His arrest was a stark contrast to his joyful persona on the pitch.

Adam Johnson

Former England international Adam Johnson was sentenced to six years in prison in 2016 for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. The incident rocked the football world, as Johnson was at the peak of his career with Sunderland at the time. He served half of his sentence before being released in 2019. The case remains one of the most controversial in English football history.

Tony Adams

Arsenal legend Tony Adams struggled with alcoholism during his career, which led to a 57-day prison sentence in 1990 for drunk driving. The incident marked a turning point in Adams’ life, as he later sought help and became an advocate for mental health and addiction recovery. His story of redemption has inspired many, showing that it’s possible to turn personal struggles into a positive force.

Joey Barton

English midfielder Joey Barton was no stranger to controversy, but his 2008 conviction for violent assault was a low point. He was sentenced to 77 days in prison for attacking a man in Liverpool city center. Barton’s fiery temper often overshadowed his footballing ability. Although he later transitioned into coaching, his criminal record remains a significant part of his public image.

Michel Platini

French footballing legend Michel Platini, once UEFA president, was arrested in 2019 over corruption allegations tied to the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. Platini denied any wrongdoing, but the scandal damaged his reputation. His involvement in the controversy marked a fall from grace for one of football’s most respected figures.

Eric Cantona

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona was sentenced to community service in 1995 after attacking a Crystal Palace fan with a kung-fu kick. The incident occurred during a Premier League match and is one of the most infamous moments in football history. Cantona’s unapologetic attitude only added to his enigmatic persona, cementing his status as a controversial figure.

Diego Maradona

Argentine great Diego Maradona faced numerous legal troubles, including a 1991 arrest for cocaine possession. His struggles with addiction were widely publicized and often overshadowed his genius on the pitch. Despite his flaws, Maradona remains a beloved icon, celebrated for his extraordinary talent and passion for the game.