The 20 Most Overrated Footballers Right Now – Ranked
In today’s game, reputation doesn’t always align with reality. Some players carry enormous expectations, inflated by price tags, early promise, or media-driven narratives, yet consistently fail to deliver on the pitch. Here’s a countdown of the 20 most overrated footballers in world football right now, starting with the least and finishing with the most.
20. Dusan Vlahovic – Juventus
Vlahovic was once tipped to become one of Europe’s elite strikers, but he’s failed to make that leap at Juventus. His movement and finishing haven’t lived up to the hype, and big-game performances have been largely absent.
19. Richarlison – Tottenham
Despite his effort and passion, Richarlison has yet to prove himself as a top Premier League forward. His lack of goals and end product continues to disappoint for a player valued at over £50 million.
18. Paul Pogba – Juventus
A World Cup winner with flair and strength, Pogba has nonetheless struggled for consistency and impact at club level. His second spell at Manchester United highlighted the gap between his reputation and real influence.
Read also: The 19 Most Expensive Transfer Flops in Football History
17. Raheem Sterling – Chelsea
Sterling’s decision-making and composure remain constant criticisms despite his years at the top. His move to Chelsea hasn’t revived his form, and his attacking output continues to fluctuate wildly.
16. Kai Havertz – Arsenal
Signed to bring creativity and goals, Havertz has done little to justify his price tag at either Chelsea or Arsenal. He remains a puzzle positionally and fails to consistently impose himself on games.
15. Serge Gnabry – Bayern Munich
Once an exciting winger with electric pace, Gnabry’s recent seasons have lacked impact and urgency. His inconsistency and disappearing acts in key matches raise questions about his standing in the Bayern setup.
14. Jadon Sancho – Manchester United
Touted as the future of English football, Sancho’s United stint has been marred by poor form and a complete loss of confidence. Loaned back to Dortmund, he remains a long way off fulfilling his potential.
Read also: The 20 Biggest Transfer Flops of the 2024-25 Season - Ranked
13. Eden Hazard – Retired
While his Chelsea years were dazzling, Hazard's Real Madrid career was a disaster. His lack of fitness and low appearances stand in stark contrast to the legend status he’s often granted.
12. Kepa Arrizabalaga – Real Madrid (loan)
The world’s most expensive goalkeeper has never looked the part. Kepa’s indecisiveness and shaky handling have made him a liability more often than a leader at the back.
11. Davy Klaassen – Ajax
Hyped as the next big Dutch midfielder, Klaassen failed to make any real impression abroad. Despite Eredivisie success, his reputation still outpaces his actual top-level ability.
10. Álvaro Morata – AC Milan
Morata’s career has been filled with chances at Europe’s biggest clubs, but he’s never been prolific. A striker who’s struggled to hit 15 league goals in a season is not what you'd expect from a serial starter.
Read also: The 25 Best Attacking Midfielders in the World – Ranked
9. Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (loan)
A brilliant one-season wonder, Osimhen hasn’t replicated his 2022-23 form since. Injuries and inconsistency have cast doubt over whether he deserves his enormous valuation.
8. Marcus Rashford – Manchester United
Rashford exploded onto the scene but has since battled form issues year after year. While his potential remains, his overall numbers and impact simply don’t justify the continuous praise.
7. Jordan Henderson – Ajax
Once touted as Gerrard’s successor, Henderson’s creativity and attacking influence have always been limited. Despite his leadership, his technical shortcomings have made his elite reputation seem overstated.
6. Romelu Lukaku – Napoli
Lukaku’s physicality has taken him far, but his touch and mentality often betray him. Bounced around clubs and questioned by managers, his reputation as a top-tier striker doesn’t always hold up under scrutiny.
Read also: The 25 Best Penalty Takers in Football History
5. Mykhailo Mudryk – Chelsea
A raw winger bought for nearly £90m, Mudryk has delivered very little since joining Chelsea. His output is minimal, and for all his speed and flair, his effectiveness remains unproven.
4. Antony – Manchester United
Antony’s flashy style masks a serious lack of end product. With just a handful of goals and assists since arriving for £82m, his performances have fallen drastically short of expectations.
3. Gianluigi Donnarumma – PSG
Still seen as an elite keeper, Donnarumma has struggled in the spotlight. His shaky footwork and high-profile errors continue to haunt PSG, making his status as one of the best highly questionable.
2. João Félix – Chelsea
Technically gifted but mentally erratic, Félix has failed to establish himself at any club. For all the flair, his lack of consistency and weak mentality have left fans wondering what all the hype was about.
Read also: The 10 F1 Teams with the Biggest Budgets - Ranked
1. Neymar – Al-Hilal
Once viewed as the next Messi or Ronaldo, Neymar has failed to dominate at the top level. Injuries, off-pitch drama, and a surprising lack of silverware for someone of his talent make him the most overrated player of his generation.
