Top 10 Most Unprofessional Football Players in History

Professionalism is often highlighted as a key part of football, demanding not just skill but the right mindset and preparation. Yet many players have defied those standards with their attitude and conduct. Here’s a list of ten footballers who stood out for their lack of professionalism.

10. Mario Balotelli (Italy)

Mario Balotelli has never been short on controversial moments, from setting off fireworks indoors to smoking during holidays. Reports surfaced that he arrived at Nice's preseason overweight in 2018, a pattern repeated in 2020 when Brescia revealed he returned weighing nearly 100kg. His cocky demeanor adds to his reputation as one of football’s most arrogant figures. Phil Foden even commented at age 10, "He’s a good player, but he’s got a bad attitude."

9. Mark Bosnich (Australia)

A talented goalkeeper, Bosnich faced criticism over his fitness and professionalism. Joining Manchester United after their treble-winning season, Paul Scholes remarked on his poor shooting practice stamina. Sir Alex Ferguson described him as "a terrible professional," recalling how Bosnich indulged heavily in food even before matches and ordered takeaways despite efforts to manage his weight.

8. Antonio Cassano (Italy)

Known for his outspoken nature, Cassano once excluded Cristiano Ronaldo from his top 10 players, claiming Ronaldo did not understand football. His unprofessional habits, especially around food, hindered his career. While at Real Madrid, Cassano reportedly gained 14 kilos thanks to eating Nutella straight from the jar, joking about the club’s sponsorship supplying him monthly.

7. Winston Bogarde (Netherlands)

Bogarde played for major clubs including Ajax and Barcelona before joining Chelsea in 2000. Despite making only 12 appearances in four years, he refused to leave Stamford Bridge, securing a £40k-a-week contract without contributing on the pitch. He admitted, "I may be one of the worst buys in the history of the Premiership but I don't care."

6. Jesse Lingard (England)

Lingard was vital for England reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-finals but faced questions over his professionalism at Manchester United. A holiday video featuring profanity sparked criticism, and a 2024 incident saw him investigated by South Korean police for riding an electric scooter without a license. Lingard has since sought to revive his career in Asia, maintaining a somewhat mischievous image.

5. Ross McCormack (Scotland)

After scoring 100 goals for Leeds and Fulham, McCormack joined Aston Villa in 2016 but struggled with form. Notably, he missed training because a broken electric gate trapped him at home. He recalled informing the club of a delay, only for his manager to become furious when no one arrived promptly to free him.

4. Paul Gascoigne (England)

Gascoigne was a gifted entertainer in the early ’90s but often acted unprofessionally. Before England’s 1990 World Cup semi-final against Germany, he was caught playing tennis at 1am. Reflecting on Italia 90, he said, "It was the best time of my life... I loved every minute of it," highlighting his carefree attitude even during crucial moments.

3. Eden Hazard (Belgium)

Hazard dazzled at Chelsea, regarded as one of the best dribblers ever. However, his move to Real Madrid fell short, with just seven goals in 76 appearances. Jose Mourinho criticized his work ethic, calling him an "amazing player with awful training," suggesting a lack of professionalism held him back from greater success.

2. Amr Zaki (Egypt)

Zaki impressed at Wigan with 11 goals in 32 games but angered manager Steve Bruce by repeatedly returning late from international duty. Bruce called him "a nightmare to deal with" and "the most unprofessional" player he'd encountered. Zaki later softened, saying he'd gladly hug Bruce if they met again.

1. Stan Bowles (England)

Bowles remains QPR’s greatest player but also a true maverick. After winning the 1973 FA Cup, he famously kicked the trophy into the air during a warm-up, likely denting it. Known for his laid-back routine, Bowles stayed in betting shops until shortly before matches, hardly the model pro but undeniably brilliant on the field.