Football is for fans and fans demand one absolute from their star player, loyalty. Fans invest their emotions, time, and money into supporting their clubs, expecting the same commitment from players. However, throughout the history of the beautiful game, there have been instances where players have shocked the world by betraying their clubs, fans, or national teams. There have been riots, hate, karma, and betrayal as years passed by, but Here, we delve into the top 10 biggest football traitors, examining their controversial decisions and the impact they had on the footballing world.
1. Luis Figo:
Figo's transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 sent shockwaves through the footballing community. The Portuguese midfielder, making his move to arch-rivals Real Madrid for a then-world record fee of £37 million even more contentious. Figo's betrayal was compounded by how he celebrated goals against his former club, forever souring his relationship with Barcelona supporters. One of the biggest reasons why he is called the “biggest traitor in football history” is also because of the love and support Barca fans gave him during his time in Barcelona, He was adored and loved by all the fans in Camp Nou, when the shock deal broke out Barca fans felt like they have been betrayed by their family member.
2. Sol Campbell:
Campbell's move from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal in 2001 is one of the most infamous transfers in Premier League history. As Tottenham's captain and a fan favourite, his decision to join their bitter rivals Arsenal on a free transfer was met with widespread outrage. Campbell's betrayal was intensified by his subsequent success with Arsenal, winning multiple league titles and FA Cups with the Gunners. It added salt to the injury to Tottenham fans as it has been several years for them without winning a major trophy.
3. Ashley Cole:
Cole's controversial departure from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006 tarnished his reputation among Arsenal fans. Chelsea are Arsenal’s direct fans and in 2006 this rivalry was all-time high. After rejecting a contract extension with Arsenal, Cole famously met with Chelsea representatives without Arsenal's permission, leading to a protracted and acrimonious transfer saga. Cole's decision to join Chelsea, coupled with his subsequent remarks criticizing Arsenal, ensured his status as a traitor in the eyes of many Gunners supporters.
4. Ousmane Dembele
Ousmane Dembélé's Barcelona stint began with promise but spiralled into disappointment and betrayal. Despite his immense talent, the winger's lax attitude, poor punctuality, and injury woes strained relations with the club. Demands for exorbitant wages and refusal to negotiate further soured his standing. Barcelona, faced with losing him for nothing, reluctantly extended his contract amid fan dismay. Dembélé's legacy at Barcelona is one of unfulfilled potential and shattered trust, a cautionary tale of talent squandered and loyalty forsaken. Barca fans supported them during his tough times as he lay sidelined after a series of Injuries, even players showed their gratitude after Dembele tore his ACL in 2021, but as soon as he was fit instead of repaying he quietly joined PSG after telling Xavi and fans he was staying.
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5. Emmanuel Adebayor
Adebayor's departure from Arsenal to Manchester City in 2009 sparked fury among Arsenal supporters. The Togolese striker was a fan favourite at Arsenal before engineering a move to newly-rich Manchester City for a lucrative contract. Adebayor's lack of loyalty was further highlighted by his provocative goal celebration against Arsenal, running the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal fans, inciting anger and condemnation. That was a celebration recorded as one of the iconic moments in football history, It looked like he was mocking the whole of the stadium,
6. Roberto Baggio:
Baggio's transfer from Fiorentina to bitter rivals Juventus in 1990 shattered the hearts of Fiorentina supporters. Despite becoming a hero at Fiorentina, Baggio opted to join Juventus, sparking riots in Florence and cementing his status as a traitor in the eyes of Viola fans. Baggio's subsequent success with Juventus only served to exacerbate the pain felt by Fiorentina supporters. His 1994 World Cup miss was heavily said to be the Karma of this 1990 drama,
7. Carlos Tevez:
Tevez's controversial move from Manchester United to Manchester City in 2009 shocked the footballing world. Despite enjoying immense success at Manchester United, including winning two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League, Tevez made the contentious decision to join cross-town rivals Manchester City. His move ignited a fierce rivalry between the two Manchester clubs, with Tevez becoming a hate figure among United supporters.
8. Fabio Cannavaro:
Cannavaro's departure from Juventus to Real Madrid in 2006 left a bitter taste in the mouths of Juventus fans. After leading Juventus to two Serie A titles, Cannavaro opted to join Real Madrid following Juventus' relegation to Serie B due to the Calciopoli scandal. Despite professing his love for Juventus, Cannavaro's decision to leave the club during its darkest hour was seen as an act of betrayal by many Bianconeri supporters.
9. Michael Owen:
Owen's move from Liverpool to Manchester United in 2009 shocked Liverpool fans and strained his relationship with the club where he had risen through the ranks. Despite enjoying success at Liverpool, including winning the Ballon d'Or in 2001, Owen joined bitter rivals Manchester United after spells at Real Madrid and Newcastle United. His decision to join Manchester United, Liverpool's arch-rivals, was met with disdain by Liverpool supporters.
10. Cesc Fàbregas:
Fàbregas' return to Barcelona from Arsenal in 2011 left a bitter taste in the mouths of Arsenal fans. Despite being Arsenal's captain and talisman, Fàbregas made no secret of his desire to return to his boyhood club Barcelona. Despite Arsenal's reluctance to sell their prized asset, Fàbregas eventually forced through a move to Barcelona, leaving Arsenal fans feeling betrayed by their former captain.
In conclusion, the footballing world has witnessed numerous instances of players betraying their clubs, fans, or national teams throughout history. Whether motivated by money, personal ambition, or a desire to return to their roots, these players have left indelible marks on the clubs they departed from, forever being remembered as some of the biggest football traitors in history.
Come on Dembele ain't traitor, Barca deserved that treatment from Dembele, he was constantly booded during the matches