The names and rankings of selfish soccer players include players from several different categories. Even people who are great as individuals may not be all that great of a team player. But teams are usually ready to compromise for that moment of brilliance.
Some players may come across as selfish because they prioritize personal honors over the needs of the team. This manifests itself in not enough passing or in creating tension within the team through actions. The most selfish players in soccer history tend to exhibit such traits.
As artificial intelligence plays an ever-increasing role in our lives, ChatGPT has its own opinion on selfish soccer players. Here are the players named and ranked by AI as the most selfish players in soccer history.
Chat with GPT’s 10 Most Selfish Players in Soccer History (Ranked)
rank
player
nation
1.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal
2.
neymar jr.
Brazil
3.
zlatan ibrahimovic
Sweden
4.
mario balotelli
Italy
5.
Arjen Robben
Netherlands
6.
Romario
Brazil
7.
Alexis Sanchez
Chile
8.
adriano
Brazil
9.
paul pogba
France
10.
eden hazard
Belgium
10
eden hazard
Belgium, Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid
ChatGPT said: “Hazard’s reluctance to dribble and quickly time his shots and passes can frustrate fans and teammates.”
Eden Hazard, a skilled dribbler with the ball, was, of course, somewhat selfish. Who can blame him for the way he seems to weave his way through players? His creativity often resulted in magical moments. Many were wearing Chelsea shirts.
As far as former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is concerned, Hazard is one of the best forwards in Premier League history. He is also one of the most skilled players England’s top flight has ever seen. At Chelsea, Hazard scored 110 goals in 352 games. The winger had a long and distinguished international career representing Belgium. He won 126 caps and scored 33 goals.
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“We played together before the legend joined Chelsea – he once scored a hat-trick while drunk.”
Rio Mavuba, who was Eden Hazard’s teammate at Lille, has told how the Chelsea legend put on a masterclass despite being drunk.
9
paul pogba
france, manchester united, juventus
ChatGPT says: “Pogba’s focus on talent and individual talent often invites criticism, especially when the team’s performances are less than overwhelming.”
Former Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness was particularly critical of Paul Pogba during his time at Manchester United. He felt the Frenchman’s effort was not good enough. In many ways, Pogba is one of the most neglected footballers of all time. After all, he won the World Cup with France in 2018.
When motivated, Pogba has always been a game changer. In a United shirt, he inspired his team to overcome a 2-0 deficit and win 3-2 against Manchester City. With so much talent available, I often wonder why I don’t produce it more often. Some people consider it selfish to not be able to do so.
8
adriano
Brazil, Inter Milan, Parma, Roma
ChatGPT says: “Adriano has a tendency to take long-range shots and is focused on individual glory, which sometimes interfered with team dynamics.”
That may be true, but Brazilian striker Adriano was a devastatingly talented player. His physique and left foot were unparalleled, especially during his heyday in the Inter Milan shirt. He made 177 appearances for the club, scoring 74 goals.
Adriano still has regrets in his career. He was dubbed the second Ronaldo, but alcohol turned him into the world’s “biggest waste”. His struggles show a darker side to his life that goes far beyond the glory on the football field. A struggle that reveals a delicate and flawed figure.
7
Alexis Sanchez
Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Marseille
ChatGPT said: “Sanchez was often accused, especially during his time at Arsenal, of holding onto the ball too much and trying to do too much on his own.”
In his prime, Alexis Sanchez’s determination was an asset to the team. He was able to carry the ball far and score some eye-catching goals in the process. This required a certain amount of single-mindedness, which some might describe as selfish.
After all, he is considered one of the best players in Chile’s history. Sanchez had a great time at Arsenal but admits his joy in football was killed by Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho.
6
Romario
Brazil, Vasco da Gama, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Flamengo, Valencia
ChatGPT says: “Known for his ego and love of scoring goals, Romario often prioritized his own goalscoring over his team’s strategy.”
Romário, considered one of Brazil’s best ever players, is a Barcelona legend. He was also a reliable goalscorer for the Brazil team that won the 1994 World Cup. It was the first time in 24 years that they had won the trophy.
Romario was known to enjoy a social life. He had no intention of going out to a nightclub, even the night before a game. Such behavior can certainly be called selfish, as it puts one’s own desires above the interests of the team.
5
Arjen Robben
Groningen, PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich
ChatGPT writes: “Arjen Robben was notorious for cutting inside from the right flank and taking shots, often ignoring teammates in better positions.”
He was arguably one of the most one-legged players in Premier League history. His predictability didn’t prevent him from being incredibly talented. Time and time again he cut in from the left and smashed home from long range.
This Dutch player had a magical left foot. It was for Bayern Munich and the Netherlands that he gave his best performances. He may have been selfish on the ball, but it often ended in glorious results.
4
mario balotelli
Italy, Inter Milan, Manchester City, AC Milan, Liverpool, Nice, Marseille
ChatGPT says: “Balotelli’s antics on and off the field have often drawn criticism. His lack of effort in matches and prioritizing personal moments over team play has earned him opinion. It was a confrontation.”
Mario Balotelli had the ability to attack the opposing team in the wrong way. Rio Ferdinand said during the match that he hated Italians. There is no denying Balotelli’s talent. For the national team, he showed it best at Euro 2012. The two goals in the semi-final were too much for Germany.
However, too often Italians were arrogant and rude. Although he did get high for a time, he ultimately wasted his talent. This is sadder than anything else.
3
zlatan ibrahimovic
Sweden, Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, PSG, Manchester United, LA Galaxy
ChatGPT says: “Zlatan’s confidence borders on arrogance and his persona on the field often screams individualism. He is known for taking great shots rather than simple passes.”
However, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s talent has helped many clubs win titles. Zlatan can afford to be selfish because that is his confidence and quality. Running with the ball like this led to many goals. His total number of goals reached 496. Needless to say, he played 122 games for Sweden and scored 62 goals.
Such is his character, Zlatan has made enemies in the football world. There were four players he hated more than anything. That’s why he’s one of the most explosive players in soccer.
2
neymar jr
Brazil, Santos, Barcelona, PSG, Al Hilal
ChatGPT says: “Neymar’s flashy style of play and tendency to over-dribble can sometimes overshadow team dynamics. He has also faced criticism for his diving and theatrics.”
Perhaps it was his on-field play that overshadowed Neymar’s talent and the way it unlocked defenses. His dribbling may seem selfish, but the Brazilian was more than capable of providing assists.
Neymar has provided more assists in the Champions League than Ryan Giggs, Xavi and Andres Iniesta. So there’s an element of selfishness to his game, but there’s really more to it than that. In fact, Neymar may be one of the most misunderstood players of all time.
1
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal, Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nasr
ChatGPT says: “Known for his focus on personal records and achievements, Ronaldo is sometimes criticized for shooting instead of passing in key moments. However, his work ethic His execution ability makes him an asset to the team.”
Ronaldo’s work ethic, ability and record are unquestionable. His behavior on and off the field can be erratic at times. Former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney described Ronaldo as selfish. Therefore, when comparing Messi and Ronaldo, Rooney is very clear.
“For example, Cristiano Ronaldo’s mindset is goals. He doesn’t care about anything else, it’s a goal and that’s all he wants. If you look at Messi, he wants to play a little more. I think so.”
Ronaldo showed what kind of person he is in an interview with Piers Morgan, announcing that he no longer considers Rooney a friend following the criticism. There have been many incidents in the past that have revealed Ronaldo’s selfishness.
When Gareth Bale scored Real Madrid’s decisive goal in the Champions League final, Ronaldo showed some interest. When Ronaldo converted the penalty to make it 4-1, he took off his shirt and showed off his muscles as if he had won the competition all by himself. Egoism has been the driving force behind Ronaldo’s career.
All statistics via Transfermarkt are as of 29/12/24.
