Numerous globally renowned athletes encounter challenges related to their conduct and demeanor, which subsequently impact their performance and professional trajectory.
Mentioning the term “enigmatic figure,” Mario Balotelli is the foremost name that comes to mind for enthusiasts. Since the age of 18, “Super Mario” has been heralded as one of the premier young talents globally during his tenure with Inter Milan. However, Balotelli’s career has never quite sparkled as anticipated. The player exhibits erratic temperament, consistently displaying perplexing behavior both on and off the field. During his time at Manchester City, he incurred a two-week fine for habitual disciplinary issues, yet instead of remorse, Mario resorted to counter-suing the club. At Brescia, Balotelli’s contract was terminated due to repeated instances of absenteeism from training sessions. Last year, the player mistakenly punched the Club Director during a party while the latter attempted to intervene in a scuffle involving the Italian forward and another guest. Despite glimpses of brilliance in his career, such as EURO 2012 or his stint at Manchester City, supporters are left lamenting the unfulfilled potential of Balotelli.
Ravel Morrison cùng lứa với Paul Pogba ở lò đào tạo Man Utd. HLV Alex Ferguson từng nhận xét anh là một trong những cầu thủ hay nhất ông từng gặp. Morrison sớm được ký hợp đồng chuyên nghiệp ở tuổi 17 và ra mắt ở Cúp Liên đoàn Anh mùa giải 2010/11. Tuy nhiên, hè 2012, Man Utd cắt hợp đồng của cầu thủ này vì đạo đức kém và tác phong không chuyên nghiệp. Ravel Morrison khoác áo hơn 10 CLB nhưng không đạt dấu ấn nào. Các HLV đều ấn tượng với tài năng của Morrison nhưng không thể kiểm soát nổi cách ứng xử của cầu thủ này.
Nicholas Anelka, who showcased remarkable talent at the age of 17 during the U20 World Cup, was scouted by Arsenal and hailed as one of the world’s leading strikers. However, his career was significantly marred by a recalcitrant and undisciplined demeanor, often displaying a contentious attitude when things did not go his way. During his tenure at Real Madrid, he engaged in disputes with manager Vicente del Bosque and faced a 45-day internal suspension for skipping training sessions. Similarly, at Chelsea, conflicts with manager Andre Villas-Boas culminated in his departure from the club. Within the national team, Anelka was part of a group of disruptive players, contributing to the chaotic scandal that engulfed France during the 2010 World Cup.
Kevin-Prince Boateng, formerly of AC Milan, once made a significant impression with his blend of technical skill, strength, and flamboyant playing style. However, Boateng also became known for his extravagant lifestyle off the pitch, which significantly affected his on-field performance. At Schalke 04, he was indefinitely suspended due to misconduct along with teammates Sydney Sam and Marco Hoger. During the 2014 World Cup, Boateng was expelled from the Ghanaian national team due to disciplinary issues, reportedly for assaulting Moses Armah Parker, the team’s delegation leader.
Hatem Ben Arfa has been consistently lauded for his exceptional football skills throughout his career. However, despite his talent, the French footballer has often been criticized for lacking determination and being perceived as lazy in training sessions. Alongside Samir Nasri, M’villa, and Jeremy Menez, Ben Arfa has been cited as a contributing factor to internal discord within the French national team. Additionally, he has had numerous conflicts with coaches at club level.
In 2013, Southampton secured the signing of Dani Osvaldo for a club-record fee of £15 million. The English club harbored high hopes that the Italian national team striker would elevate the team’s performance. However, Osvaldo is most notably remembered for both on and off-field issues. Firstly, he received a three-match suspension for violent conduct during a match against Newcastle. Subsequently, he faced internal disciplinary action for a physical altercation with teammate Jose Fonte during a training session. After half a season, Southampton allowed Osvaldo to return to Serie A.
In 2003, Chelsea secured the signing of Adrian Mutu, a leading talent in Romanian football. He was heralded as the “new Hagi” at the time. However, Mutu encountered issues related to his lifestyle. The player became engulfed in a lavish lifestyle, characterized by glamorous companions, luxury cars, and extravagant parties. Moreover, Mutu’s involvement with illicit substances led to his suspension from playing. During his tenure at Chelsea, the striker repeatedly skipped training sessions without permission, consequently leading to the termination of his contract. Despite transferring to Fiorentina, Mutu persisted in his familiar patterns. He tested positive for banned substances in 2010, resulting in a six-month ban from competition. Additionally, Mutu faced disciplinary actions at the international level, being suspended twice for alcohol-related incidents.
Jadon Sancho’s tenure at Manchester United has been deemed a failure, marking an endpoint to his tenure at Old Trafford due to disciplinary issues. The player’s recurrent tardiness during training sessions under the management of Erik ten Hag has been a notable concern. Even when demoted to the youth squad, Sancho has persistently skipped training without justification. British media outlets have disclosed his alleged gaming addiction, leading to late-night habits. German publication Bild has also reported similar concerns regarding Sancho’s past conduct during his time at Borussia Dortmund. Presently, Sancho has returned to Dortmund on a loan basis and has not been selected for the England national team.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has faced significant criticism during his final tenure at Arsenal. The player has frequently been tardy, missed training sessions, and had his captaincy revoked by manager Mikel Arteta. During his time at Borussia Dortmund, Aubameyang also exhibited similar behavioral lapses. Even Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes cautioned teams to exercise caution when acquiring players like Aubameyang due to his lack of discipline, which could significantly impact team dynamics.