One of the most overused phrases in football is “there’s no ‘I’ in the team.” It is also true that, on most occasions, everyone must contribute to the team’s success and development. On the other hand, some footballers have no problem being selfish because they have brilliant independent performances and an appealing style of play.
Arjen Robben, known for his technique, pace, and divine accuracy, was one of Bayern Munich’s most selfish players for nearly a decade. Now and then, the Bavarian legend would make a crucial pass to set up an important goal.
However, instead of passing to a well-placed teammate, Robben was frequently seen cutting onto his left foot and belting a ferocious shot from range. In a 2012 interview, Robben stated, “Selfishness is a quality.”
Selfish players, like Robben can be great dribblers and brilliant attackers, but their selfishness can easily get on the nerves of their teammates. They can sometimes make up for their selfishness by scoring a magnificent solitary goal. However, most of the time, everyone on the team ends up frustrated.
Selfishness is still a desirable trait in some modern football players. While these stars have won fans with their flair and individual brilliance, they must maintain their performances on a consistent basis. After all, nothing irritates fans and teammates more than a selfish player having a bad day in front of a goal.
Without further ado, here are the five selfish players in world football:
Number 5:Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Vinicius Jr. possesses all of the great qualities that a selfish player requires to succeed. He’s versatile, fast, and explosive and can run at and past opponents. Although Vinicius has contributed a few assists to his team, his dribbling antics and consistency in cutting in to look for a shot make the star a rather selfish player.
Vinicius Jr., on the other hand, isn’t exactly skilled at locating the net. During three Champions League games this season, he’s taken about five shots per game and scored twice. The dribbling and selfishness on the ball won’t matter if the young Real Madrid star doesn’t contribute to the scoreline. Vinicius will be a real star if he improves on this.
Number 4: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was at his best at Paris Saint-Germain, with 13 assists in a single league season.
Earlier in his career, the 40-year-old journeyman was used as a winger and creative playmaker. Those days, however, are long gone, and Ibrahimovic now has one goal in mind for every team he joins scoring goals.
During his time at Manchester United, pundits such as Liverpool legend Phil Thompson described the player as “highly selfish.” Thompson expressed his displeasure:
“He was talking about 15 shots per game, and there were better players in better positions.”
Ibrahimovic has remained unconcerned by such allegations, stating:
“Am I conceited? I have to be because there are many kings, but only one god, and that is me.”
Number 3: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool striker, is in the best shape of his life. Salah’s ten goals and five assists in just nine Premier League appearances demonstrate that he is unstoppable.
While his incredible performances for the Reds have captivated the world, his selfishness has also been the talk of the town. Salah has averaged more than four shots per game in the Premier League, scoring once every four shots. Critics will argue that he could have passed the ball instead of taking so many shots.
Sadio Mane and Salah went viral a few years ago after Mane’s frustration with the Egyptian international was visible after a missed shot. Instead of passing to Mane, who was unmarked and in a much better position to score, Salah raced into the area and went for a goal himself.
Salah was recently described as “the most selfish player I’ve ever seen” by Liverpool legend Graham Souness.
Number 2: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s brilliance on the field and dedication to the game are unrivaled, whatever you want to call him. He’s been described as selfish, self-centered, and even egotistic. However, the Portuguese maestro has made it a habit to respond to his detractors by scoring more goals on the field.
Ronaldo frequently takes the lone-ranger approach, driving into the final third with no intention of passing, which can be frustrating for his teammates. Ronaldo averaged nearly seven shots per ninety minutes while at Real Madrid and Juventus. This pattern is likely to continue at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo has been repeatedly chastised for this by many pundits and even fellow players. Antonio Cassano famously criticized the player while he was still at Juventus, explaining:
“He’s always been self-centered. He doesn’t care if others score; all he cares about is scoring himself. He does not live for football; he lives for his own goals.”
Number 1: Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain’s)
During Google searches for the Brazilian, articles titled “Why does Neymar get so much hate?” and “Neymar: Selfish brat or misunderstood genius?” quickly appear. While it may appear uncalled for from the outskirts, it is hardly surprising.
When his showboating antics and dribbling skills stole the show at Santos, Neymar drew the attention of European clubs. His time at Barcelona and his current stint at PSG have been very similar.
At Barcelona, his South American play complemented Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. However, many French fans and pundits are constantly critical of Neymar.
Without a doubt, the Brazilian international is one of the best players in the world, with incredible solo goals. His selfishness with the ball, on the other hand, can irritate his teammates as well as viewers and pundits.
Kylian Mbappe admitted to Idrissa Gueye last month that he had complained to her about Neymar’s selfishness. PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino was eventually forced to bring both players together during training to ensure no grudges.
