Donny Van de Beek, Dimitri Payet, Luka Jovic.

The 11 Greatest One-Season Wonders in Football – Ranked

July 31, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Football is full of unforgettable moments — and unforgettable players who shined brightly for just one season. These 11 players hit incredible heights only to fade just as fast. Here are the most iconic one-season wonders of all time.

11. Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal, 2008-09)

The Russian playmaker lit up the Premier League with his technical flair and vision after arriving in January 2009. His four-goal performance against Liverpool remains legendary. But Arshavin quickly declined, struggling with form and fitness, and never reached that same level again.

10. Adel Taarabt (QPR, 2010-11)

Taarabt was pure magic in the Championship, dazzling defenders with his dribbling and long-range strikes. He led QPR to promotion but couldn't cope with the pace and physicality of the Premier League. His top-flight career fizzled out just as fast as it began.

9. Islam Slimani (Sporting CP, 2015-16)

Slimani scored 27 goals in the Portuguese league, prompting Leicester to sign him as a marquee striker. But he never adapted to the Premier League and became a rotation player at best. His short-lived dominance in Portugal remains the highlight of his career.

8. Donny van de Beek (Ajax, 2018-19)

Van de Beek was a star during Ajax’s miracle Champions League run, combining goals with creative brilliance. That one season earned him a move to Manchester United, where he barely played and never made an impact. His career has stalled ever since.

7. Luka Jović (Eintracht Frankfurt, 2018-19)

Jović exploded with 27 goals across all competitions, becoming one of Europe’s hottest young strikers. A big-money transfer to Real Madrid followed — but he flopped badly, rarely featuring and struggling with confidence. His brief spell in Germany remains his peak.

6. Federico Macheda (Manchester United, 2008-09)

Few debut goals are as iconic as Macheda’s curling winner against Aston Villa. He was hailed as United’s next great striker, but things never took off. He drifted through loans and lower-tier clubs, unable to replicate that breakthrough moment.

5. Marouane Chamakh (Arsenal, 2010-11)

Chamakh started brightly in North London, scoring frequently during Robin van Persie’s absence. But once van Persie returned, Chamakh's form dropped off a cliff. He quickly became a benchwarmer and faded into obscurity within just one season.

4. Robinho (Manchester City, 2008-09)

Robinho arrived as City’s first Galáctico with huge expectations. He started strongly with flair and goals but soon grew frustrated and inconsistent. After just one full season, his performances deteriorated, and he quietly left the Premier League spotlight.

3. Dimitri Payet (West Ham, 2015-16)

Payet’s magical season with West Ham included sensational free kicks and dazzling playmaking. He was a fan favorite and earned a place in France’s Euro 2016 squad. But within a year, he forced a move back to Marseille and never reached those heights again.

2. Papiss Cissé (Newcastle, 2011-12)

Papiss Cisse — By Jon Candy - Flickr: DSC04829, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30373489

Cissé made a jaw-dropping impact after signing in January, scoring 13 goals in just 14 matches — including one of the greatest goals in Premier League history against Chelsea. But after that red-hot run, he never found consistent form again.

1. Michu (Swansea City, 2012-13)

The ultimate one-season wonder. Michu scored 18 league goals in his debut Premier League season, combining timing, technique, and flair. Injuries and loss of form took their toll, and he never came close to matching that incredible campaign again.