Watching your favourite player slowly fade away can be heartbreaking for any football fan.
Unfortunately, it’s something we see too often in the world of football. Here are 10 players who, for one reason or another, are rapidly disappearing from the top of the game. Let’s count them down from 10 to 1.
10. Presnel Kimpembe
Kimpembe was once a pillar at PSG, but injuries have taken their toll on the French defender. Since rupturing his Achilles tendon in February 2023, he hasn’t played a single minute of football. With more than two years of recovery looming, his absence is making fans forget that he’s still a professional footballer. His future at PSG and at the top level looks uncertain, leaving many to wonder if he can ever return to his former glory.
9. Mason Mount
Mount’s move to Manchester United was expected to be a career-defining step, but so far, it has been a nightmare. Plagued by injuries, Mount has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford. Once heralded as the future of English football, the former Chelsea star is quickly fading from fans’ memories. If he can’t rediscover his form, he risks following the same path as Dele Alli – a promising star whose light burned out too soon.
8. Arthur Melo
Arthur Melo’s career is a story of unfulfilled potential. Once touted as the heir to Xavi at Barcelona, he has since struggled at Juventus and failed to revive his fortunes at Liverpool due to injury. Now back at Juventus, the Brazilian midfielder hasn’t made an appearance this season. At 27, Arthur should be entering his prime, but it feels like his time at the top is over.
7. Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell was once one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, but his future at Chelsea looks bleak. Enzo Maresca has reportedly informed him that he’s no longer part of his plans, and the former Leicester man has been sidelined. Chilwell, who was vice-captain just last season, is now watching his career fade away. If he doesn’t find a new club in January, it could spell the end of his time at the top level.
6. Mykhailo Mudryk
Mudryk arrived at Chelsea with high expectations, having impressed in the Champions League with Shakhtar Donetsk. However, his time in London has been nothing short of disappointing. With Chelsea’s influx of attacking talent, the Ukrainian winger has been pushed further down the pecking order. At just 23 years old, Mudryk is quickly becoming old news, and a loan move or sale could be on the horizon.
5. Steven Bergwijn
Once a rising star at Spurs, Steven Bergwijn is now almost forgotten. The Dutch winger made a name for himself with his dramatic late goals in the Premier League, but those moments are distant memories. Now playing in Saudi Arabia, Bergwijn’s career at the top level seems to have fizzled out. At 27, he should still have time to make a comeback, but the football world seems to have moved on.
4. Quincy Promes
Quincy Promes was once a key player for Ajax and a regular for the Netherlands, but his off-field issues have derailed his career. Now playing for Dubai United, the forward is wanted in his home country for charges related to aggravated assault and drug trafficking. Promes has faded away from football relevance, and it seems the only time we hear his name is in connection to his legal troubles.
3. Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen was on top of the world just last year, having been named African Footballer of the Year and Serie A Striker of the Year. However, his 2023-24 season was a major disappointment, and with Napoli hiring a coach who doesn’t favor him, his stock has fallen. Turning down a move to Chelsea didn’t help either, and he now finds himself at Galatasaray. While no disrespect to the Turkish league, it’s a far cry from the bright future he once seemed destined for. Osimhen’s once meteoric rise has taken a drastic downturn, and his future at the top level looks bleak.
2. Antony
Antony was one of the most sought-after young wingers in Europe just a few years ago, but now, his career is in free fall. The Brazilian has become the subject of football banter and has fallen out of favor with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. Relegated to the bench, Antony is now the fourth-choice right winger at the club. Once a regular for Brazil, he now seems to have lost his place in the national team as well. His future at the top level is in serious jeopardy.
1. Reece James
Reece James is arguably one of the most talented right-backs in the world on his day, but injuries have held him back. James has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch, and Chelsea might be losing patience with their captain. With Malo Gusto, Disasi, Cucurella, and Fofana capable of covering his position, James’ future at Chelsea looks uncertain. At 25, he should be in his prime, but if he can’t stay fit, his career at the top could be over.
These are just a few players whose careers seem to be fading right before our eyes. Football is a tough sport, and even the brightest talents can find themselves lost in the shuffle due to injuries, form, or poor decisions.
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