Footballers Who May Regret Staying in The Same Club

Loyalty is often considered a virtue, both in life and in football.

However, when it comes to a player’s career, unwavering loyalty to a single club can sometimes do more harm than good. Staying with a beloved club can mean missed opportunities, fewer trophies, and an overall less impactful legacy. Here are seven footballers whose loyalty, while admirable, might end up hurting their careers.

7. Emiliano Martínez: A World-Class Keeper at a Mid-Table Club

Emiliano Martínez’s loyalty to Aston Villa is understandable, especially since the club gave him a chance to prove himself. However, as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Martínez could achieve much more at a bigger club. His situation is reminiscent of Christian Eriksen, who left Brentford for Manchester United and secured his first English trophy. If Martínez stays at Villa, he might miss out on the big trophies that his talent deserves.

6. Son Heung-Min: The Unlucky Star of Spurs

Son Heung-Min has been with Tottenham Hotspur for nearly a decade, yet he has no major trophies to show for it. Despite his undeniable talent, his loyalty to Spurs has likely cost him a more decorated career. Players like Luka Modrić and Gareth Bale left Spurs and went on to become some of the greatest players of their generation. Son’s decision to stay could mean missing out on the recognition and silverware that his abilities warrant.

5. Marcus Rashford: Trapped at Manchester United?

Marcus Rashford has spent his entire career at Manchester United, a club he joined at the age of seven. Despite his immense talent, Rashford is spending his prime years at a club that has struggled with dysfunction in recent seasons. His loyalty is commendable, but it might be time for Rashford to consider a move to a club where he can fully realize his potential and win the trophies that his talent deserves.

4. Nico Williams: Sticking with Athletic Club

Nico Williams is another young talent whose loyalty might limit his career. The winger turned down a move to Barcelona to remain at Athletic Club, a decision that might keep him out of conversations about the world’s best players. At Barcelona, he would have had more chances to win La Liga and the Champions League, and his skills would have been showcased on a larger stage. At 22, Williams still has time to make a move, but his decision to stay could have long-term consequences.

3. Martin Zuberi: A Midfielder’s Tough Choice

Martin Zuberi made headlines this summer when he turned down a lucrative offer from Liverpool to remain at his boyhood club, Real Sociedad. Having joined the club at just 11 years old, Zuberi’s deep connection is understandable. However, by rejecting both Liverpool and Barcelona in the past, the midfielder might be missing out on the chance to compete at the highest level and win major trophies. Staying at Real Sociedad could limit his potential and even affect his standing in the national team.

2. Bukayo Saka: The Future of Arsenal

Bukayo Saka is a gunner through and through, having been at Arsenal since he was seven years old. Despite his rise to becoming one of the best right-wingers in the world, Saka’s loyalty to Arsenal could come at a cost. If Arsenal fails to win major trophies in the coming years, Saka might find that his best years were spent without the recognition or silverware he deserves. Playing for a club like Barcelona or Real Madrid could elevate his status to world-class, a label that is still debated due to his current club.

1. Trent Alexander-Arnold: A Legend in the Making?

Trent Alexander-Arnold has spent 20 years at Liverpool, a club he joined at the age of five. While he has already won everything there is to win in club football, there are concerns that his loyalty might limit his career’s full potential. Real Madrid, a club where trophies are almost guaranteed, has shown interest in the right-back. Moving there could cement his status as one of the greatest right-backs of all time, something that staying at Liverpool might not fully achieve.