The most controversial, violent and hated footballers ever

Patrick Power 8 years ago 19.4k |

Reading time: minutes

You would never want to face them. BeSoccer

Many refer to Cristiano Ronaldo and Pique as too players who like to be in the limelight for all the wrong reasons, but these players are nothing compared to others who have been at the heart of the most shameful episodes in the history of the game.

Big-mouths, party-animals, incorregible drunks, troublemakers and gamblers, short-tempered and always ready to start a fight, some footballers we would always want on our team but never on the other side. We take a look at some of the worst cases:

Tony Adams

The Arsenal captain was a great player, but quite the hooligan. He stated he had drunk his weight in beer and spent time behind bars for driving under the influence. A classic of the 90's who gave much to talk about on and off the field.

Garrincha

His issues with alcohol (rum specifically) ended up destroying the life of one the most talented footballers ever, possibly the second-best Brazilian after Pele. He suffered from a slight mental deficiency (he would ask the match result at half-time) and he had a total of 15 children with 5 different women.

Romario

'If I don't go out, I don't score', he told Cruyff. He lifted the World Cup and decided to stretch out his holidays until he was ready to return. The night was what governed the life of the talented striker, who even played against Real Madrid while his father was kidnapped.

George Best

Manchester United legend who ended up destroying both his livers. The 'fifth Beatle' said 'I spent 90% of my money on women, drink and fast cars. The rest I wasted'. It neatly sums up who George Best was.

Eric Cantona

He physically fought presidents, teammates and supporters: his flying karate kick into the stands is an iconic image of the Premier League. He came very close to going to prison, but he was suspended 8 months. 'Enfant terrible' won the league with Leeds and United.

Hristo Stoichkov

A Golden Ball winner, a genius... and an active volcano. He stomped on referee Urizar Azpitarte in 'El Clasico' against Madrid. The 1994 World Cup star had a brilliant left foot and a big mouth.

Paolo Rossi

He came very close to missing the 1982 World Cup in Spain. He was caught taking part in illegal gambling and he spent a year suspended. After his retirement, this prolific goalscorer dedicated his time to living in Ibiza.

Paul Gascoigne

A violent manic depressive with OCD who could have taken England to glory in the 1990 World Cup and Euro '96. Alcohol, injuries, orgies... Gazza, a unique talent, has been seen lately begging in the street.

Harald Schumacher

1982, his savage tackle on Battison shocked the world, leaving the iconic image of a confused Platini watching his teammate get carried out on a stretcher. He published a book revealing his teammates' secrets, which got him fired from Cologne and the German national team.

Julio Alberto

He posed next to Maradona in one of the most ironic photos in football, wearing shirts reading 'no to drugs'. Cocaine and a terrible management of his fame and money almost ended his life. He spent a fortune on brothels and attempted to commit suicide.