10 Greatest Football Players Who Never Got the Respect They Deserved
Football has rarely failed in recognizing the ultimate superstars of the game. Names like Pelé, Messi, Maradona, and Ronaldo have dominated debated and highlighted reels at every given chance. But unfortunately for some heroes, the limelight was never there.
Some defined positions while others lifted trophies year after year. Yet, they rarely made headlines or won Ballon d’Ors. Why? Maybe they lacked an eye-catching playing style or played in the wrong era. So, let’s give them their overdue respect. In this article, we highlight the greatest footballers who never quite got the recognition they deserved.
Michael Carrick
Credit: Instagram
While Ronaldo and Rooney grabbed headlines, Carrick was Manchester United’s midfield maestro, who dictated play with laser-precise passing. As a five-time Premier League winner and Champions League champion, his efficiency rarely made highlight reels—but without him, United’s dominance wouldn’t have been the same.
Claude Makélélé
Credit: Instagram
When a position is literally named after you, you know you are special. Makélélé was the defensive midfielder who would break up attacks and shield defenses like an impenetrable wall. Makélélé’s impact at Real Madrid and Chelsea was the backbone of their success.
Gaetano Scirea
Credit: Instagram
Scirea played with grace, intelligence, and composure. He was a Juventus legend and 1982 World Cup winner, so he won everything there was to win. Yet, his humility and quiet leadership meant he never received the same recognition as his flashier contemporaries.
Djalma Santos
Credit: Instagram
Djalma Santos was the real deal of the game before Cafu and Dani Alves. Having won the World Cup twice, he combined defensive solidity with attacking flair decades before it became the norm. He played in four World Cups, and his consistency was astonishing.
Frank Rijkaard
Credit: Instagram
Rijkaard was the glue that held both AC Milan’s and the Netherlands’ legendary teams together. Being a hybrid of a rock-solid defender and a silky midfielder, he made the game look easy. But when you play alongside Van Basten and Gullit, getting the credit you deserve is a tough ask.
Denis Irwin
Credit: Reddit
Sir Alex Ferguson famously said, “You could name your best Man United XI and leave out Denis Irwin… but you’d be wrong.” Irwin was a full-back who could defend, attack, and take set pieces with equal excellence. He was a linchpin in United’s success.
Sergio Busquets
Credit: Instagram
Xavi and Iniesta might have stolen the show, but Busquets was the one pulling the strings. His defensive intelligence and composure were crucial for Barcelona and Spain’s golden era. People often forget how vital he really was.
Thomas Müller
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Thomas Müller may not be the fastest or the flashiest—but he was definitely the most effective. His ability to find space and create chances is almost supernatural. A World Cup winner and Bayern Munich legend, his unorthodox style means he’s often overlooked in favor of more “aesthetic” players.
Javier Zanetti
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Zanetti never truly got into the global spotlight, even though he was a thorough professional who spent nearly two decades at Inter Milan. Whether he was playing as a full-back or midfielder, his work rate and leadership helped Inter to glory, including their historic 2010 treble.
Steve McManaman
Credit: Instagram
Real Madrid’s Galácticos were about glitz and glamour, but McManaman was their engine. His dribbling and clutch performances—especially in two Champions League wins—made him a Madrid fan favorite.
Patrice Evra
Credit: flickr
Beyond his internet-famous personality, Evra was an elite left-back who could combine defensive steel with attacking drive. He played a massive role in the team’s success and was a key part of Manchester United’s dominance in the late 2000s.
Sami Hyypiä
Credit: Reddit
Hyypiä was always composed and a true leader. He anchored Liverpool’s defense for a decade and played a crucial role in their 2005 Champions League triumph. But defenders rarely get the credit they deserve, and this case was no exception.
Michael Laudrup
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Few players in history possessed Laudrup’s vision and passing ability. He was a magician for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Denmark and the creative force behind countless goals. What didn’t work in his favor was the era of his game. He played during the same time as Maradona and Zidane, which meant his brilliance was often underappreciated.
Juninho Pernambucano
Credit: Instagram
Scoring from 40 yards out was just another day at the office for Juninho. His pinpoint free kicks were legendary, and he was instrumental in Lyon’s dominance. This led them to seven straight Ligue 1 titles.
Esteban Cambiasso
Credit: Instagram
Cambiasso was Inter Milan’s midfield general. He was capable of brilliant tackles and rock-solid defense. He remained a key figure in their 2010 treble-winning season and did the dirty work so others could shine.