Underrated soccer players are those whose remarkable contributions often go unnoticed, despite their exceptional skills and invaluable impact on both their club and national teams.
These players remain in the shadows, overshadowed by more prominent names or hindered by factors such as limited media coverage or playing for smaller clubs.
While certain players receive widespread recognition and praise, many others fail to garner the attention they deserve beyond their own country or league.
Despite consistently performing at a high level, these underrated players often struggle to gain acknowledgment due to various reasons, including being overshadowed by more high-profile teammates or playing for clubs with limited exposure.
Underrated soccer players can be found in various positions and leagues, and their talents are appreciated primarily by those who closely follow their careers.
This article aims to shed light on some of the most underrated soccer players, providing insight into the reasons behind their underappreciation and highlighting their undeniable talent and impact on the game.
- Who Are the Most Underrated Soccer Players?
- 1. Gheorghe Hagi – Romania
- 2. Michael Laudrup – Denmark
- 3. Sergio Busquets – Spain
- 4. Hristo Stoichkov – Bulgaria
- 5. Davor Šuker – Croatia
- 6. Ronald Koeman – Holland
- 7. Andrea Pirlo – Italy
- 8. Garrincha – Brazil
- 9. Miroslav Klose – Germany
- 10. Gabriel Batistuta – Argentina
- 11. Pavel Nedvěd – Czech
- 12. Ryan Giggs – Wales
- 13. Patrick Kluivert – Holland
- 14. Bastian Schweinsteiger – Germany
- 15. Juan Román Riquelme – Argentina
Who Are the Most Underrated Soccer Players?
In soccer, many talented players don’t get the attention they deserve, unlike big names like Pelé, Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi.
These players might have been unlucky to play in the wrong team or at the wrong time, or they simply got overshadowed by more famous players. Even though they are incredibly skilled and contribute a lot to the game, most fans don’t recognize their greatness.
These underrated soccer players might be amazing defenders, midfielders, or forwards, but they don’t get the recognition they deserve because everyone’s focused on the superstars.
Some of these underrated soccer players do tough jobs on the field, like defending or controlling the midfield, which doesn’t always get noticed compared to scoring goals.
They play crucial roles in deciding the outcome of matches with their smart tactics and strong presence, but many fans don’t appreciate their contributions.
But what makes soccer beautiful is that there are so many different kinds of players with unique talents.
Beyond the famous awards and titles, there are underrated soccer players who make significant contributions to the game.
They love what they do, they work hard, and they never give up, even if they don’t get the recognition they deserve. They are the unsung heroes of soccer, and they are just as important to the sport as superstars.
1. Gheorghe Hagi – Romania
A footballer is known for his extraordinary ability to score from virtually anywhere on the field. The goals he scored were not just impressive; they were in a league of their own.
However, Hagi wasn’t just about raw power.
His exceptional dribbling and passing skills rivaled those of the game’s elite players. Despite his incredible shooting prowess, some overlook him, assuming he’s one-dimensional. In reality, it’s precisely this versatility that sets him apart from his peers.
Hagi’s achievements speak volumes: a UEFA Cup victory, seven league titles, and an impressive goal tally of 276 in 646 club games, along with 35 goals in 124 appearances for Romania.
Despite being dubbed the “Maradona of the Carpathians,” he often doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves, sometimes not even making the top 100 player lists.
2. Michael Laudrup – Denmark
Romario once said that Michael Laudrup was the 5th best player ever. Beckenbauer compared him to Pelé, Maradona, and Cruyff. But, how many fans today know about him?
Laudrup was possibly the best playmaker ever. He had excellent vision and tactical thinking along with exceptional skill and passing ability. That’s why he was probably even more talented than Zidane.
However, Zidane became great because he always gave his all, especially in big games. Laudrup didn’t consistently show his talent on the field and was sometimes criticized for not trying hard enough.
Nevertheless, Laudrup achieved remarkable success, winning the European Cup with Barcelona and seven league titles with four different clubs. He was one of the best assist-makers ever and still managed to score 165 goals in 622 club games and 37 in 104 matches for Denmark.
3. Sergio Busquets – Spain
It’s odd that some fans who only look at goals and assists think Sergio Busquets is overrated.
He’s one of the best defensive midfielders ever in football.
In modern football, Sergio Busquets changed how the deep-lying midfield position is played. He focuses on smarts, precise passing, and reading the game instead of just being strong or physical.
He works hard, intercepts passes, and disrupts opponents’ plays because he’s always in the right position and has great defensive skills, even though he’s not the fastest.
Thanks to his great vision, control, and passing accuracy, Busquets hardly ever loses the ball. He plays a big part in controlling the game for his team with his short passes.
For Barcelona, Busquets played more than 700 games and won 32 trophies, including 9 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, and 3 UEFA Champions Leagues.
4. Hristo Stoichkov – Bulgaria
Hristo Stoichkov was one of the standout players of the 1994 World Cup. He led Bulgaria, a team not well-known at the time, to fourth place and finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. If he had been born in Italy or Germany, he would have likely made an even bigger impact.
Stoichkov played a key role in shaping the “inverted winger” position commonly used in today’s 4-3-3 formations.
Known for his exceptional dribbling skills and ability to score incredible goals, he is cherished by many football fans from the 1990s.
He was also skilled at crossing the ball and scoring from free kicks.
Stoichkov scored 37 goals in 83 games for Bulgaria and an impressive 293 goals in 601 club-level matches. His achievements include winning a European Cup with Barcelona and clinching eight league titles.
5. Davor Šuker – Croatia
The best football players of all time achieve feats that seem nearly impossible to replicate.
Davor Šuker epitomized this ability with his incredible goals. What set him apart was his delicate touch, exceptional control, and an uncanny knack for placing his shots with precision and power.
Arguably the greatest Croatian footballer ever, Šuker led the national team to a remarkable third-place finish in the 1998 World Cup, a significant achievement for a country with a population of fewer than five million.
Also, he was the top scorer of the tournament.
Overall, Šuker scored 46 goals in 71 appearances for Croatia and an impressive 240 goals in 527 club-level matches. He also achieved success at the highest level by winning a European Cup and a league title with Real Madrid.
6. Ronald Koeman – Holland
Many people tend to overlook Ronald Koeman’s exceptional skills, but if I were assembling a team of world-class players, he would be on it.
Koeman was not only a formidable central defender known for his strength and intelligence but also a gifted footballer with passing abilities that rivaled some of the best playmakers in the world.
His technical prowess was particularly evident in his free-kick taking, where he excelled.
With an impressive record of 238 goals in 685 games, he holds the title of the highest-scoring defender ever. Remarkably, he even topped the scoring charts in the 1994 European Cup, now known as the Champions League.
Koeman’s achievements extend beyond individual accolades.
He led the Netherlands to their only title in the 1988 European Championships and guided PSV Eindhoven to their sole European Cup victory in the same year. Additionally, he won another European Cup with Barcelona and clinched eight league titles throughout his club career.
7. Andrea Pirlo – Italy
Andrea Pirlo is widely regarded as one of the most underrated soccer players in the game’s history.
Despite his exceptional skills, including precise passes and stunning free-kicks, Pirlo’s contributions often flew under the radar, especially in Serie A.
Throughout his career, Pirlo played for renowned clubs like Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus, where he achieved remarkable success, winning multiple domestic and international titles, including the UEFA Champions League and numerous Serie A championships.
After a long career in Italy, Pirlo retired from professional football in 2017.
Despite being an outstanding playmaker, he didn’t receive the recognition he deserved initially.
During his prime, Spanish midfielders like Xavi and Iniesta received more acclaim, leaving Pirlo wondering what it would take to be considered among the best.
Nevertheless, Pirlo played a pivotal role in maintaining Italy’s prominence on the global stage, particularly during a time when England and Spain dominated the spotlight.
His achievements include winning the 2006 World Cup with Italy, along with two Champions League titles and six league championships during his stints with Milan and Juventus.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t until after his retirement that the football world truly understood Pirlo’s true worth.
8. Garrincha – Brazil
Garrincha often doesn’t get the recognition he deserves because he played alongside Pele, but his dribbling skills were truly exceptional and make him one of the greatest dribblers in soccer history.
Football writer Scott Murray once stated unequivocally in The Guardian: “…the bottom line is uncontestable: Garrincha was one of the greatest dribbler ever.”
In Brazil, he was affectionately known as “Alegria do Povo” (People’s Joy) and “Anjo de Pernas Tortas” (Bent-Legged Angel) due to his immense talent.
Garrincha played a crucial role in Brazil’s 1958 and 1962 FIFA World Cup triumphs. In 1962, when Pelé was injured, Garrincha stepped up and led Brazil to victory with outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
He achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Golden Ball (Player of the Tournament), Golden Boot (Leading Goalscorer), and the World Cup in the same tournament. Garrincha was also included in the World Cup All-Star Teams for both the 1958 and 1962 World Cups.
9. Miroslav Klose – Germany
Miroslav Klose was a prolific goal scorer known for his strength, aerial ability, and precise finishing as a center-forward.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Klose is often underrated compared to more famous players.
He holds the record for the most goals scored in FIFA World Cup history, with 16 goals across four tournaments from 2002 to 2014, and is also Germany’s all-time leading goal scorer.
Throughout his career, Klose won several titles with clubs like Kaiserslautern, Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich, and Lazio.
However, his greatest moments came with the German national team. He was part of the squad that won the 2014 World Cup, and also finished as runner-up in 2002 and secured third place in 2006 and 2010.
10. Gabriel Batistuta – Argentina
The former Argentine footballer possessed an extraordinary ability to score goals from almost any position on the field. Despite his remarkable skills and achievements, he remains one of the most underrated soccer players in history.
Representing esteemed clubs like Fiorentina and AS Roma, as well as the Argentine national team, he had an impressive career.
Nicknamed “Batigol” for his knack for finding the net, he scored a remarkable 300 goals in 494 competitive matches for his clubs and added 56 goals in 78 appearances for Argentina.
Despite his prolific scoring, his performances often went unnoticed in an era dominated by other star players like Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and Alessandro Del Piero.
Also, playing for Fiorentina, a club not consistently competing for titles, meant he didn’t receive as much media attention as players from more successful teams.
Batistuta did achieve success with Argentina, winning the Copa America twice, and he also secured two league titles and one domestic cup during his club career.
Despite his incredible talent, Batistuta’s true greatness may not be fully recognized outside of dedicated football circles. Many fans believe he deserves more appreciation for his exceptional skills and achievements on the field.
11. Pavel Nedvěd – Czech
Pavel Nedvěd is often considered underrated despite his immense talent and contributions to football.
Despite being widely respected among fans and peers, Nedvěd’s impact may not always receive the same level of recognition in broader discussions about footballing greats.
One reason for this perception could be Nedvěd’s relatively low-key demeanor off the field.
He was known for his modesty and humility, which may have led to him being overshadowed by more flamboyant or outspoken players.
Nedvěd’s playing career was majorly spent in Serie A, where he excelled for clubs like Lazio and Juventus.
While Serie A was highly competitive during Nedvěd’s time, it may not have garnered the same level of global attention as other leagues like the Premier League or La Liga, potentially leading to him being underrated on the international stage.
However, those who closely followed Nedvěd’s career recognize his incredible skill, work ethic, and versatility on the field.
He was known for his exceptional dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring ability, as well as his tireless work rate and leadership qualities.
Despite his incredible achievements, Nedvěd doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves compared to other famous players. His quiet personality and modesty might have contributed to this.
Nonetheless, his legacy as a talented and hardworking player lives on.
12. Ryan Giggs – Wales
While Ryan Giggs is widely recognized as a footballing legend, some argue that he is underrated in certain discussions about the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Despite his incredible achievements and longevity, Giggs may not always receive the same level of acclaim as other players of his generation.
One reason for this perception of underratedness could be Giggs’ relatively low profile off the field compared to some of his peers.
He maintained a modest and private demeanor throughout his career, which may have contributed to him being overlooked in discussions about footballing icons.
Also, Giggs spent the majority of his career at Manchester United, which could overshadow his brilliance. Playing alongside other superstar teammates may have led to some undervaluing his contributions to the team’s success.
However, those who closely followed Giggs’ career recognize his extraordinary talent, versatility, and longevity.
He holds several records, including the most Premier League appearances and assists, and was a key player in Manchester United’s dominance during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
13. Patrick Kluivert – Holland
Patrick Kluivert, a football legend from the Netherlands, left a big mark on the sport during his impressive career.
Known for his precise goal-scoring abilities, strong headers, and instincts for finding the net, Kluivert started his journey to fame at the Ajax youth academy.
He made his professional debut for Ajax in 1994 and quickly became a key player for the team.
One of his most famous moments came in the 1995 UEFA Champions League final, where he scored the winning goal against AC Milan at just 18 years old. This goal not only helped Ajax win the Champions League but also made Kluivert famous across Europe as one of the most promising young players.
After his time at Ajax, Kluivert played for several top clubs in Europe, including AC Milan, Barcelona, and Newcastle United.
At Barcelona, he had great success, forming a strong partnership with Ronaldinho and helping the team win multiple La Liga titles and the UEFA Super Cup.
14. Bastian Schweinsteiger – Germany
The former German midfielder is often overlooked despite his significant contributions to football and his status as an icon in the sport.
Throughout his lengthy and successful career with Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and the German national team, Schweinsteiger demonstrated his versatility, leadership, and technical prowess.
Known for his exceptional passing, vision, and midfield control, Schweinsteiger played a pivotal role in Bayern Munich’s triumphs, including their UEFA Champions League success.
He was also a key player for the German national team, notably helping them win the 2014 FIFA World Cup with his leadership and ability to perform under pressure.
While Schweinsteiger may not always be mentioned alongside other midfield greats like Xavi, Iniesta, or Pirlo, his peers and fans recognize his importance to the game.
Despite not receiving as much attention, Schweinsteiger’s impact on football and his influence on his teams remain undeniable.
15. Juan Román Riquelme – Argentina
Riquelme is often considered as of the most underrated soccer players despite his exceptional talent and contributions to the sport.
Despite being widely respected among football enthusiasts, Riquelme’s impact may not always receive the recognition it deserves in broader discussions of football greats.
His subtle style of play, characterized by precise passing and intelligent positioning, may have led to him being overlooked compared to more flashy or high-profile players.
Also, Riquelme’s relatively quiet demeanor off the field may have contributed to his underrated status.
However, among those who closely follow the game, Riquelme is revered for his incredible vision, creativity, and ability to control the tempo of matches.
His influence on the teams he played for, both domestically and internationally, is undeniable.
Other Most Underrated Soccer Players In History
- Dino Baggio – Italy
- Leônidas (Leônidas da Silva) – Brazil
- Andreas Möller – Germany
- Gianni Rivera – Italy
- Zico (Arthur Antunes Coimbra) – Brazil
- Matt Le Tissier – England
- Jay-Jay Okocha – Nigeria
- Mágico González – El Salvador
- Clarence Seedorf – Netherlands
- Dragan Stojkovic – Yugoslavia
- Sol Campbell – England
- Mario Kempes – Argentina,
- Francisco “Paco” Gento – Spain
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