Glory is often short-lived in football, and even the most ambitious poignant can see their dreams dissolved in bad waters due to financial woes, mismanagement or just plain bad luck.
For every football club such as Real Madrid or Manchester United, there are countless others whose once-bright success has faded into the history books. These football clubs, many of which once flirted with greatness are now largely forgotten, their legacies overshadowed by the glittering achievements of others.
Yet, their stories remain compelling, filled with moments of triumph and heartbreak, serving as saddening reminders of life’s unpredictable nature.
This reflection comes as the football world processes the news of Bordeaux’s dissolution. Once giants of Ligue 1, the French club has announced its end after being relegated to the third tier, marking a sombre close to a rich era.
In this article, we revisit the tales of 10 football teams – clubs that once soared to remarkable heights before crashing back down to earth.
Their journeys, though ultimately marked by decline, still resonate with fans who remember their brilliance and wonder what might have been
1. Anzhi Makhachkala
Remember Anzhi Makhachkala, the Russian underdog who dared to dream big?
Founded in 1991, the Eagles were transformed into a force to be reckoned with when billionaire Suleyman Kerimov took the reins in 2011. He splurged on top talent, luring legends like Roberto Carlos and Diego Tardelli to the club with hefty contracts.
For a moment, it seemed like Anzhi was on the verge of something special.
However, as quickly as it began, the fairy tale ended.
The money dried up, and the club’s ambitions were grounded by licensing issues and relegation. Despite a valiant effort to regroup and compete with a young squad, Anzhi’s woes persisted.
The final blow came in June 2022 when the Russian Football Union revoked their license, marking the end of an era. The Eagles’ soaring dreams were reduced to ashes.
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2. KSV Waregem
This football club had a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, with three stints in the top tier of Belgian football between 1966 and 1996.
Their golden era was from 1974 to 1994 when they consistently held their own against the best. Their fans can forget their 1974 Belgian Cup win in a hurry, thrashing Tongeren 4-1 in the final and the 1982 Belgian Supercup win.
The 1985-86 season was their crowning glory, reaching the UEFA Cup semis and sensationally knocking out AC Milan before falling to FC Koln.
Though they never quite reached the summit, finishing fourth in the top flight was a notable achievement. However, their fortunes declined, and they were relegated in 1996.
The downward spiral continued, and by 2001, financial woes forced them to merge with Zultse VV, giving birth to SV Zulte Waregem.
Though KSV Waregem is no more, their legacy lives on through their successors, who currently compete in the Jupiler Pro League, Belgium’s top division
3. Dalian Shide
One of China’s pioneering football clubs has a rich history that spanned over five decades.
Founded in 1955, they turned pro in 1993 and dominated the Chinese football scene for 12 glorious years, claiming the top-tier league title an impressive eight times.
Their first triumph came in 1994, followed by two hat-trick wins from 1996-1998 and 2000-2002. The cherry on top was their 2005 double, securing both the league and Chinese FA Cup.
It wasn’t just domestic success – they made waves in Asia, winning the Asian Club Championship in 1997-98 and the Asian Cup Winners’ Cup in 2001.
However, their fortunes took a drastic turn after 2005.
Financial woes and corruption allegations led to their downfall, culminating in their owner’s arrest in 2012 over a staggering $50 million debt. The club’s attempted merger failed, and Dalian Shide ceased to exist, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in controversy and confusion.
4. Dnipro FC
A Ukrainian football club with a rich history rose to prominence during the Soviet era.
Founded in 1918, they tasted success in the 1980s with two Soviet Championships and a Soviet Cup win. After the Soviet Union’s collapse, Dnipro joined the Ukrainian Premier League and experienced a resurgence in the 2010s, culminating in a thrilling UEFA Europa League final appearance in 2015.
Though they ultimately fell short, their journey was marked by impressive victories over Ajax and Napoli. However, the club’s fortunes took a devastating turn.
Financial mismanagement led to a UEFA competition ban in 2016, followed by a disastrous season marred by debt, point deductions, and relegation to the Ukrainian Second League.
The final blow came in 2018 when FIFA intervened, forcing the club into bankruptcy over unpaid debts to players and managers.
As the club ceased to exist, the remnants of Dnipro’s team and staff regrouped under the banner of SC Dnipro-1, leaving behind a once-proud club that had risen to the brink of European glory only to fall into oblivion
5. Chievo Verona
A beloved Italian football club soared to remarkable heights before its tragic demise in 2021.
Founded in 1929 by passionate fans, Chievo’s journey began humbly with their first official league match in 1931. The club’s fortunes changed with the arrival of Luigi Campedelli in 1964, who led them to unprecedented success.
After his passing, his 23-year-old son took the reins guiding Chievo to Serie B in 1992.
The team’s rise continued earning promotion to Serie A in 2001, a dream come true for the “Flying Donkeys,” a nickname originally used by rivals but proudly adopted by Chievo’s fans.
They defied expectations, establishing themselves as a top-flight staple for 17 seasons, with only a brief relegation in 2007. Chievo’s European adventures included two UEFA Cup appearances and a Champions League qualifying match.
The club’s honours include Serie D, Serie C2, Serie C1, and Serie B titles. However, financial struggles ultimately led to their downfall, culminating in relegation, expulsion, and bankruptcy in 2021.
6. Los Angeles Aztecs
A brief but shining star in the North American Soccer League (NASL), blazed a trail from 1974 to 1981.
Born from an expansion team in 1973, they stunned the league by winning the 1974 NASL Championship in a thrilling penalty shootout. Their success attracted big names, including singer Elton John who became part-owner from 1975 to 1977.
The Aztecs’ squad has legends such as George Best, fresh from Manchester United, and Johan Cruyff, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, under the guidance of renowned manager Rinus Michels.
Despite this talent, the team struggled to recapture their championship glory. Changes in ownership, including a stint under Televisa, ultimately led to the Aztecs’ demise.
In 1981, the team announced its abrupt closure, leaving players’ contracts in limbo and fans heartbroken.
7. New York Cosmos
A team born from the passion of Atlantic Records executives in 1970, shone brightly in the North American Soccer League (NASL) before fading into memory.
Acquired by Warner Communications in 1972, the Cosmos made their mark with a league title in 1972. However, it was the arrival of Brazilian legend Pelé in 1975 that truly catapulted the team to global stardom.
His record-breaking $1.4 million annual salary was a big proof of his immense talent and charisma. The Cosmos’ squad became a who’s who of football royalty, with Carlos Alberto and Franz Beckenbauer joining the ranks.
Pelé’s farewell in 1977, after a glittering career left a void that could never be filled.
Despite four more NASL Championships, the team’s sparkle began to fade. The loss of Pelé, coupled with declining TV deals, viewership, and profitability, ultimately led to the demise of the NASL in 1984 and the Cosmos in 1985.
8. FC Amsterdam
Born from the merger of Blau Wit, DWS, and Volewijckers in 1972, showed promise in its early years.
The team’s highlight came in the 1974-75 season when they reached the UEFA Cup quarter-finals, defeating Inter Milan along the way.
However, their win was short-lived, as they suffered a crushing defeat to FC Koln.
The team’s fortunes began to decline, and relegation from the Eredivisie in 1978 marked the beginning of the end. As they moved away from the iconic Olympic Stadium, fans lost interest, and attendance dwindled.
Despite efforts to revive the club, FC Amsterdam struggled to stay afloat in the Eerste Divisie, plagued by financial woes and dwindling support. Just a decade after its founding, the club folded in 1982.
9. Beerschot AC
The club rose to prominence in Belgian football, reaching the top division in 1989.
Their golden era saw them finish third in 1996 and 1998, earning UEFA Cup spots. However, struggling with low attendance and limited resources, they merged with Beerschot in 1999, adopting the name Germinal Beerschot.
This new chapter brought a refreshed squad, logo, and retained history.
They thrived in the Pro League until relegation in 2013. Notable achievements included winning the Belgian Second Division in 1989 and the Belgian Cup twice, in 1997 and 2005.
The club’s youth academy produced exceptional talent including Toby Alderweireld, Mousa Dembele, and Thomas Vermaelen.
Unfortunately, financial struggles led to bankruptcy and the loss of their professional license in 2013, ending the club’s journey.
Yet, their legacy lives on as KFCO Wilrijk absorbed Beerschot AC’s identity, forming FCO Beerschot Wilrijk, and continuing their story in the Belgian Provincial leagues.
10. Wimbledon FC
Founded in 1889, was a beloved London club with a rich history.
Their passionate fans known for their dedication and eccentricity, earned the team the nickname “The Crazy Gang.”
Wimbledon’s sweetest moment came in 1988 when they won the FA Cup.
The team’s rapid ascent from the Fourth Division to the First Division between 1977 and 1986 was a remarkable achievement. However, the club’s decision to relocate to Milton Keynes in 2001 sparked controversy, leading to a split in the fan base.
Many loyal supporters refused to follow the team to Milton Keynes and instead formed AFC Wimbledon in 2002. The new club has since risen through the ranks, establishing themselves in the Football League and returning to their roots with a new stadium, Plough Lane, built in 2020, just yards from the original.
Meanwhile, the relocated team, now known as Milton Keynes Dons, was brought out of administration in 2004, marking the end of Wimbledon FC’s 113-year history.
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