Football fans around the world have a special soft spot for those players who can deliver moments of brilliance on the pitch. With that in mind, there is nothing more disappointing than seeing exceptional talent go to waste when players fail to live up to expectations and end up not fulfilling their potential.
Many factors can negatively impact a player’s career, even for the most gifted individuals. Injuries, off-field issues, or unsuccessful transfers can all contribute to a sad story, and unfortunately, there are many out there.
Here are the top 5 players from the 2000s onward whose careers leave us wondering what could have been.
1. Ravel Morrison (England)
Ravel Morrison was considered one of the brightest talents to come out of Manchester United’s academy. Sir Alex Ferguson himself described Morrison as a “genius,” with teammates like Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney raving about his ability.
Even though the youth team included players like Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, it was Morrison who stood out most and looked destined for a long and successful career.
Unfortunately, his off-the-pitch issues, including legal troubles and questions about his attitude, derailed his career.
Despite stints at clubs across Europe like West Ham, Lazio, QPR and Derby County, Morrison never settled or reached the potential that many believed he had. At the age of 31, he is currently playing for United Arab Emirates club Precision FC.
2. Mario Balotelli (Italy)
Blessed with incredible physical attributes, technical ability, and a knack for scoring spectacular goals, Mario Balotelli seemed destined for superstardom.
He enjoyed a memorable spell at Inter Milan for three seasons before joining Manchester City in 2010, where he won trophies and grabbed headlines (mostly negative ones), along the way.
Manchester City fans will always adore him for his antics and, most memorably, his assist for the iconic ‘Aguerooooooo’ goal that secured the 2011-2012 Premier League title in injury time.
Yet, Balotelli’s football career has been marked by controversy, inconsistent performances, and a perceived lack of focus. While he had moments of brilliance – such as his two goals against Germany in the Euro 2012 semifinals – he struggled to sustain his form.
After leaving Manchester City to join AC Milan in 2013, Balotelli never truly settled anywhere, playing for numerous clubs across Europe. He is currently with Genoa in Serie A.
3. Stephan El Shaarawy (Italy)
At just 19 years old, Stephan El Shaarawy was hailed as the next big thing in Italian football, showcasing dazzling speed, flair, and finishing playing as a left winger.
“The Pharaoh” looked set to reach legend status in AC Milan where he played between 2011-2015 before he was loaned out to Monaco.
However, injuries and inconsistent form plagued El Shaarawy’s progress. After his early promise, he struggled to maintain the same level and found himself bouncing between clubs, including a stint in China with Shanghai Shenhua.
Though he has enjoyed a respectable career, El Shaarawy never reached the heights many had predicted during his early days at Milan. He is currently playing for AS Roma.
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4. Alexandre Pato (Brazil)
Who can forget his goal against Barcelona in the Champions League just 24 seconds after kick-off? Few players have burst onto the scene with as much excitement as Alexandre Pato.
Joining AC Milan as a teenager, Pato’s combination of pace, skill, and composure in front of goal made him one of the most exciting prospects in world football. He scored 51 goals in 117 appearances for the Rossoneri, winning the Serie A Young Player of the Year award in 2009.
Legendary right-back Cafu once said himself, “With Maldini and Nesta, we couldn’t catch up to Pato in training.”
Unfortunately, injuries hindered Pato’s momentum. After leaving Milan, he struggled to recapture his best form, moving through clubs in Brazil, China, and MLS. Fans are left to imagine how far Pato could have gone if his body had allowed him to fulfil his potential.
He retired in 2024 and currently works as a sports commentator.
5. Jack Wilshere (England)
Once hailed as the future of English football and probably one of the most technically gifted English players of his generation, Jack Wilshere was a midfield maestro with an elegance and intelligence beyond his years.
His performance against Barcelona in the 2011 Champions League, at just 19 years of age, where he dominated a midfield including legends of the game Xavi and Iniesta, remains iconic. Arsenal fans absolutely adored him and believed he was the heir to legends like Patrick Vieira and Cesc Fàbregas.
However, persistent injuries prevented him from maintaining a consistent run of games, and he gradually fell out of favour at Arsenal, struggling to make an impact at other clubs.
Wilshere retired in 2022 at just 30 years old, leaving fans wondering what heights he might have reached had he been able to remain injury-free throughout his career.