The most overrated footballers in the world right now — ranked by AI

October 22, 2025 Oliver Obel

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 16 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 16.

16. Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid

Once hailed as a generational right-back, Trent’s defensive weaknesses have become increasingly exposed in recent seasons. While his passing range and set-piece quality remain elite, AI argues his reputation as a complete player is inflated. His performances at Real Madrid haven’t yet matched the world-class billing he’s long carried.

15. 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.

14. Jadon Sancho – Aston Villa

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 to Aston Villa has yet to spark a true revival.

13. 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.

12. João Félix – Al Nassr

Joao Felix — Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Despite a €113 million move to Atlético Madrid, Félix has never found true consistency. After stints at Chelsea and Milan, his move to Al Nassr is seen as a step away from the European elite. AI highlights his inability to match his hype.

11. Timo Werner – RB Leipzig

Werner was prolific in Germany, but he has failed to replicate that form in England. With poor finishing and limited goal returns, his spells at Chelsea and Tottenham have disappointed. Even after returning to Leipzig, doubts remain.

10. Raheem Sterling – Chelsea

Sterling’s best years seem far behind him. Once a key player for City and England, his time at Chelsea has lacked the spark of old. AI suggests the media still rates him higher than his current output deserves.

9. 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.

8. Federico Chiesa - Liverpool

Chiesa’s explosive pace and Euro 2020 heroics once made him one of Europe’s hottest prospects. But since joining Liverpool, injuries and inconsistent form have stalled his rise. While flashes of quality remain, AI argues his current reputation far exceeds his actual impact on the pitch.

7. Kepa Arrizabalaga – Arsenal

Kepa remains the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, but his performances have never justified the fee. Despite various loan spells, inconsistency still defines him. AI questions why he’s still seen as a top keeper.

6. Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City

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.

5. Richarlison – Tottenham

Richarlison de Andrade — Betto rodrigues / Shutterstock.com

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.

4. Paul Pogba – Monaco

Pogba’s talent is unquestioned, but his career has been disrupted by inconsistency, injuries, and off-field issues. Now at Monaco and still a long way from his peak, AI sees his career as a missed opportunity.

3. Álvaro Morata – Como

Once Spain’s great hope, Morata has never been a reliable finisher. After short-lived stints at top clubs, his move to Como reflects a career of unfulfilled potential. AI sees him as a case of style over substance.

2. 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.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al Nassr

Ronaldo’s legendary status is unquestionable, but AI takes a strictly performance-based view. While still a huge global icon, his current output in Saudi Arabia doesn’t match the lofty reputation he built in Europe. At 40, he remains a marketing giant more than a consistent on-pitch game-changer — which is why AI ranks him as the most overrated player in football right now.