Footballers who wasted their talents

Matthew Le Tissier, Southampton Le Tissier had great talent on the football field. He was even awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year back in 1990. He stands at 6’1” and had a great strong right foot. He was also recognized as one the best penalty takers ever. The problem was his loyalty to his club. This resulted in missing out on European football. England managers basically overlooked him and he never really got to make full use of his potential in the big leagues.

Lee Sharpe, Manchester United Sharpe was one of the most aspiring young soccer stars of his generation. When he was only 19 years old, he was already part of the first team of Manchester United. He also earned a call up to join the English National Team. His post-game drinking did him in though because that did not go well with Sir Alex Ferguson. Sharpe was immediately transferred to Leeds. He only got to play 30 matches because of injuries. He never really got his groove and his talents were wasted as he moved from team to team. He underachieved until he retired in 2004.

Duncan Edwards seems to have a different case compared to other players on this list. Edwards’ talents were wasted not because of his own doing. He was a football star in the making. He contributed to multiple titles for Manchester United and he even became part of the English National Team. However, due to a plane crash, which is the now famous Munich Air Disaster, Edwards ended up fighting for his life. He died after fifteen days the crash happened. He was only 21 years old.

Michael Owen had a great early career. He signed a professional contract with Liverpool when he was just 17 years old. Being a second generation footballer, his skills were truly recognizable. He played with great pace and his finishing ability is also highly admirable. Owen hit the jackpot by being included in the England Team for the 1998 World Cup. His star even grew brighter with his amazing substitute plays. He became one of Liverpool’s best scorers as he converted on a lot of goals. During 2004, Owen transferred to Spain. However, luck seemed to have left his side as he suffered multiple injuries. In 2013, Michael Owen retired, failing in showcasing his best abilities. He could have been one of the best football players in history.

Freddy Adu was only 14 years old when projected to be the next generation talent for United States football. Majority of scouts regarded him as a one of a kind talent. Adu became the youngest football player to sign a contract in the history of Major League Soccer. He became part of the DC United MLS Champion but since then he bounced off different clubs. He played in 8 countries. By 25 years old, Adu became a football journeyman but never really lived up to his potential.

Adrian Mutu had a very inspiring career but he wasted it by being addicted to illegal drugs. He had multiple run-ins with the law and he was suspended more than once. His off-the-field problems really affected his game and many believe that Mutu’s drug use prevented the soccer player to reach his full potential. He failed a doping test and also tested positive for cocaine. He even showed up drunk at an Indian embassy.

Jordi Cruyff had a mountain of expectation to be a star. Of course his father Johan is one of the best Dutch football players in history. A lot of pressure was put on to his shoulders whether he could follow his father’s footsteps. However, Jordi never became the second of his father. Though he played as a good midfielder, he was merely an average football player. He also suffered a knee injury that never really helped his cause. Post retirement brought some luck for Cruyff who remained in football, becoming Greek side AEK Larnaca F.C.'s Director of Football before moving on to Maccabi Tel-Aviv as Sporting Director in 2012; where he which he currently occupies.

Matt Jensen had so much potential and scouts considered him as one of the best young talents in all of England. Jensen caught the eye of people as he played with Carlisle United. He was given a hefty contract by Crystal Palace. He was then offered a much lucrative contract by the Blackburn Rovers, amounting to £4.1 million. He scored 47 goals in his initial three seasons. However, in 2002, Jensen got into a motorcycle accident. For six days he was comatose. As soon as he recovered, he tried to return to his beloved sport but his old form was never seen again.

Francis Jeffers was one of the most electrifying football players in England. As he was part of the U-21 team of England, he accumulated 13 goals in just 16 games. Jeffers sizzled even when he played at Everton and Arsenal. However, he suffered shoulder and ankle injuries that badly affected his football career. His talents got even more wasted when he seemed to show the lack of urge to compete for his spot at Arsenal. His fall from grace was officially completed at 34-year old, when the striker remains club-less, having failed trials with Bury, Chester and Brunei DPMM, a team who play in the S.League in Brunei.

Denilson had a very promising young career. He earned a spot in Sao Paolo FC. Arsenal eventually offered him a contract when he was only 19 years old. Arsenal saw his great potential as he led several youth teams of Brazil. Sadly, he never blossomed in Arsenal. He was also never included in Brazil’s national team.

Ricardo Quaresma was regarded to be as good as Cristiano Ronaldo. He had great skills and he dazzled the crowd with unique moves. However, the comparison would stop when he never really showcased a lot. Ronaldo went on to be a big superstar while Quaresma became a big bust. He has bounced from team to team and has never really found his stride.

Paul Gascoigne showcased greatness however mental illness and alcoholism really got the best of him. He helped England in its World Cup bid in 1990, however, he received a yellow card during the semifinals and he was out during the final. He had a great career run but his struggle with mental illness and alcoholism affected his legacy. He has one of the most tragic stories in football history.

Adriano Leite Ribeiro was very promising at 18 years of age. He became part of the strong Brazilian National Team during that same age. He was even nicknamed as “The Emperor”. He was scouted to have a great striking skills, speed, size, and finishing touch. However, he really struggled all throughout his career. He had problems with his fitness, work rate, weight, homesickness, and even drugs. He never got to regain his old form during his younger years.