10 Forgotten Footballers of All Time — Where Are They Now?

In the world of football, some players burn bright and fade just as quickly. While they once commanded the headlines, trophies, and million-dollar contracts, time and circumstance have pushed many once-revered stars into the shadows. From Champions League nights to international glory, these forgotten footballers once dazzled fans but have since slipped off the radar.

Let’s look down memory lane with 10 footballers who were once on top of the world — but are now rarely mentioned in the modern game.

10. Juan Cuadrado

Juan Cuadrado was once a dynamic force for both club and country, known for his pace, flair, and signature dribbling style. He shone at Fiorentina, earned a high-profile move to Chelsea, and later became a key figure at Juventus. His versatility as a winger and wing-back made him invaluable in Italy, where he helped the Bianconeri secure multiple Serie A titles.

However, over time, injuries and competition for spots saw Cuadrado fade from mainstream discussions. Despite quietly continuing his career, many fans have forgotten just how crucial he was during Juventus’ domestic dominance and Colombia’s strong international performances during the mid-2010s.

9. Lucas Moura

Lucas Moura will forever be remembered for his unforgettable Champions League hat-trick against Ajax in 2019, which sent Tottenham to their first-ever final. That moment alone etched his name into football folklore. Before that, he was a rising star at PSG, touted as Brazil’s next great attacking export.

But since his magical night in Amsterdam, Moura’s career trajectory declined. Reduced minutes, injuries, and inconsistent form saw him become a squad player before leaving Spurs quietly. A player of such raw talent and explosive energy deserved a longer stint in the limelight.

8. Marek Hamšík

Slovakian midfield maestro Marek Hamšík was the heartbeat of Napoli for over a decade. His slick passing, long-range strikes, and leadership qualities made him a fan favorite in Serie A. Hamšík even surpassed Diego Maradona’s goal record at Napoli, a testament to his legendary status at the club.

Despite his impressive achievements, Hamšík’s move to the Chinese Super League signaled a step away from elite-level football. As Napoli evolved and new stars emerged, his name slowly faded from the European stage — but his legacy still looms large for those who remember his peak years.

7. Miralem Pjanić

Miralem Pjanić was once among the finest midfielders in Europe. Known for his set-piece precision and exceptional vision, he was a central figure at Roma and later Juventus, orchestrating play from deep with calmness and class. His performances earned him a high-profile transfer to Barcelona in 2020.

Unfortunately, his time at Barcelona was underwhelming. Tactical mismatches, a lack of game time, and injury setbacks stalled his career. Loan spells and a quiet transfer away from Europe made fans forget that Pjanić was once considered among the best passers in world football.

6. Jesse “Lingardinho” Lingard

Jesse Lingard, playfully dubbed “Lingardinho,” was once the face of Manchester United’s youth resurgence. Bursting onto the scene with flair and confidence, he scored key goals in FA Cup and EFL Cup finals and became a staple in England’s 2018 World Cup squad.

However, inconsistent form and off-field distractions saw his stock fall at United. Despite a brilliant loan spell at West Ham in 2021, he couldn’t maintain the momentum. Currently without a major club, Lingard’s career is a cautionary tale of early promise and the importance of consistency.

5. Gonzalo Higuaín

Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuaín was once one of Europe’s most lethal finishers. At Real Madrid, Napoli, and Juventus, he scored goals for fun, including a record-breaking 36-goal Serie A season. He featured in multiple World Cup campaigns and reached a World Cup final in 2014.

Yet, his legacy was tarnished by missed chances in major finals, and fans began associating him more with those moments than his goal-scoring prowess. A quiet exit to the MLS and eventual retirement made him disappear from football’s top-tier conversation — unfairly so for such a prolific talent.

4. Alexis Sánchez

Alexis Sánchez was once considered among the best wingers in the world. His spell at Arsenal saw him score wonder goals and lead the line with aggression and creativity. Before that, he dazzled at Barcelona, and he was a national hero for Chile after back-to-back Copa America wins.

But his move to Manchester United proved disastrous, and Sánchez never fully recovered his form afterward. Despite a stint at Inter Milan and a late-career revival attempt, his explosive days are long behind him — and many fans have forgotten how unstoppable he once was.

3. David Luiz

David Luiz, the flamboyant Brazilian defender with curly hair and a flair for the dramatic, was a polarizing figure in football. Loved for his passing range and criticized for his defensive lapses, he enjoyed major success with Chelsea, PSG, and the Brazilian national team.

A Champions League winner and a key part of Brazil’s 2014 World Cup run, Luiz slowly disappeared from top-flight conversations as he returned to Brazil with Flamengo. Though often ridiculed for high-profile mistakes, his contributions at club level are too often overlooked in hindsight.

2. Douglas Costa

Douglas Costa’s blistering pace and jaw-dropping dribbling once made him a nightmare for defenders in both the Bundesliga and Serie A. He was an electric presence at Bayern Munich and Juventus, often changing games from the wing with his acceleration and delivery.

Unfortunately, injuries plagued Costa’s career and kept him from fulfilling his immense potential. Frequent absences and loan moves kept him out of the spotlight, and his name has quietly faded, despite once being touted as Brazil’s next big attacking threat.

1. Marco Verratti

Once considered one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the world, Marco Verratti was the engine of PSG’s midfield for over a decade. His close control, passing under pressure, and tactical intelligence earned him comparisons to Andrea Pirlo and Xavi.

However, despite his brilliance, Verratti often flew under the radar and never truly received the global recognition he deserved. Injuries and PSG’s constant failures in the Champions League further dimmed his star. Today, he’s far removed from the spotlight, but those who watched him closely know he was one of the finest midfielders of his generation.

Who do you think should’ve made this list? Share your thoughts in the comments and keep the memory of these football greats alive.