The Top 20 Most Hated Football Players of All Time

1. Luis Suárez – The Biting Controversy

Clubs: Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid

Controversies: Multiple biting incidents, racial abuse allegations, diving

Why Hated: Despite his goal-scoring brilliance, Suárez’s repeated unsportsmanlike behavior has made him notorious.

2. Diego Maradona – Genius and Infamy

Clubs: Napoli, Barcelona, Boca Juniors

Controversies: “Hand of God” goal, drug abuse, erratic behavior

Why Hated: Maradona’s brilliance on the field was overshadowed by controversies off it.

3. Eric Cantona – The Rebel King

Clubs: Leeds United, Manchester United

Controversies: Kung-fu kick at a fan, fiery temper

Why Hated: Talented yet unpredictable, Cantona polarized fans everywhere.

4. Paolo Di Canio – Politically Divisive

Clubs: Lazio, West Ham, AC Milan

Controversies: Fascist salutes, aggressive play, clashes

Why Hated: Di Canio’s political statements and fiery temperament polarized fans worldwide.

5. Neymar Jr. – Modern Football’s Divisive Talent

Clubs: Santos, Barcelona, PSG

Controversies: Diving, dramatics, exaggerated fouls

Why Hated: Neymar’s theatrics and perceived over-dramatization irritate rival fans despite his incredible skill.

6. Wayne Rooney – Fiery Temper

Clubs: Everton, Manchester United, D.C. United

Controversies: Aggression on-field, confrontations with referees, clashes with teammates

Why Hated: Rooney’s competitiveness sometimes crossed the line into hostility, making him feared and disliked.

7. Zinedine Zidane – The Headbutt Legend

Clubs: Juventus, Real Madrid, Bordeaux

Controversies: Headbutt in 2006 World Cup final

Why Hated: Zidane’s elegance was tainted by one of the most infamous moments in World Cup history.

8. Mario Balotelli – Talent and Chaos

Clubs: Inter Milan, Manchester City, AC Milan

Controversies: Manager clashes, provocative behavior, media scandals

Why Hated: Balotelli’s unpredictability and antics made fans and coaches alike frustrated.

9. Sergio Ramos – Aggressive Defender

Clubs: Sevilla, Real Madrid, PSG

Controversies: Frequent fouls, confrontations with rivals, red cards

Why Hated: Ramos is respected for defense but hated for perceived “dirty” play.

10. Roy Keane – The Enforcer

Clubs: Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Celtic

Controversies: Aggressive tackles, verbal clashes, confrontational personality

Why Hated: Keane’s tough style and no-nonsense attitude earned him fear and resentment from rivals.

11. Joey Barton – Controversial English Midfielder

Clubs: Manchester City, Newcastle United, Rangers

Controversies: Violent conduct, criminal convictions, betting scandals

Why Hated: Barton’s repeated run-ins with law and authority made him one of English football’s most polarizing figures.

12. Zlatan Ibrahimović – Brash and Bold

Clubs: Ajax, Juventus, AC Milan, PSG, Manchester United

Controversies: Public outbursts, arrogance, clashes with teammates

Why Hated: Zlatan’s ego and brash statements divide fans, though his talent is undeniable.

13. Gabriel Heinze – Aggressive Defender

Clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Marseille

Controversies: Frequent fouls, confrontations, controversial tackles

Why Hated: Heinze’s no-nonsense defending often sparked anger among opponents and fans.

14. Ricardo Carvalho – Tactical Yet Disliked

Clubs: Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid

Controversies: On-field aggression, harsh tackling, defensive provocations

Why Hated: Despite skillful defending, his confrontational style annoyed many rival fans.

15. Patrice Evra – Conflict Magnet

Clubs: Manchester United, Juventus

Controversies: Clashes with opponents and teammates, on-field provocations

Why Hated: Evra’s outspoken personality and occasional conflicts led to polarizing opinions.

16. Fernando Torres – The Misfiring Legend

Clubs: Liverpool, Chelsea, Atlético Madrid

Controversies: Underperformance in big games, perceived arrogance

Why Hated: While beloved at Liverpool, Torres’s struggles at Chelsea led to harsh criticism.

17. Ashley Cole – “Cashley” Controversy

Clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea, LA Galaxy

Controversies: Defection from Arsenal to Chelsea, on-field provocations

Why Hated: Cole’s high-profile transfers and confrontations made him unpopular with many fans.

18. Luis Figo – The Traitor

Clubs: Barcelona, Real Madrid

Controversies: Transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid, fan backlash, thrown pig head incident

Why Hated: Figo’s move sparked extreme hatred, especially among Barcelona supporters.

19. John Terry – Captain Controversy

Clubs: Chelsea, Aston Villa

Controversies: Racism allegations, public scandals, clashes with rivals

Why Hated: Terry’s off-field and on-field controversies tarnished his otherwise illustrious career.

20. Roy Hodgson-era Players

Certain players during underperforming national campaigns gained reputations for being disliked by fans, especially during Euro and World Cup failures.