Ranked: The 20 laziest players in world football

Football at the highest level is characterised, of course, by immense talent. However, to succeed in elite sport, passion, grit and unrelenting effort must also play a part. That said, not every player is known for their work ethic. Some stars have gained a reputation for being less-than-industrious on the pitch.

While some players possess undeniable technical ability, their lack of hustle has not gone unnoticed. Poor overall work rate, defensive contributions and fitness levels can make talented individuals stand out for all the wrong reasons. Here are 20 of the most high-profile.

He had the world at his feet when he joined AC Milan in 2007, but Pato’s career is best summed up as one of unfulfilled potential. Though he had his injury struggles, he passed up on the chance to lead the next generation of Carlo Ancelotti's great team with his perceived lack of application and drive to succeed at the highest level. His career hit freefall after he left Italy—and it never recovered.

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He may have been one of the world's most clinical finishers, but Higuaín’s lack of mobility outside the penalty area often came under scrutiny. The former Real Madrid and Napoli striker's inability to press, plus weight issues during certain periods of his career, added to perceptions of laziness. Despite his goal-scoring prowess, the Argentinian was not best suited to the modern game.

You could spend several hours watching YouTube compilations showcasing Shaqiri’s spectacular goals. His attacking brilliance convinced Bayern Munich and Liverpool to take a punt on him, but his lack of defensive outlook and game intelligence meant he was only ever a bit-part player. Given his ability to change games with moments of brilliance, his inconsistency and fitness struggles have always been majorly frustrating.

Arnautović's robust style and fierce striking ability have always made him a handful for defenders. However, his laid-back approach and preference for playing a rather static, free role off a main striker—incompatible with a high-pressing, high-intensity side—has meant he has never been a mainstay for a top team despite his obvious talent. That said, he had a decent career in the Premier League for Stoke City and West Ham United.

Berbatov once famously told Manchester Evening News: “You are not going to see me puffing around the pitch. There is a saying in Bulgaria—great quality doesn’t require much effort.” And this perfectly summed up the ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United forward. Let the ball (and others) do the hard work, leave the silky skill and link-up play to him.

Payet's technical ability in attack, particularly on set pieces, is undeniable. But his application going in the other direction has always left much to be desired. His tendency to switch off during games meant he became labelled a player who 'picks his moments,' leading him never to achieve the club success his talents arguably deserved.

Zlatan’s charisma and incredible longevity often masked his lack of defensive effort. His reluctance to press or track back became a hallmark of his game, relying heavily on his teammates to cover his defensive responsibilities. Despite his incredible goal-scoring record, his work rate has been a source of criticism, especially from his former coach at FC Barcelona, Pep Guardiola. The Swede is the ultimate definition of a luxury player.

He may be Belgium's top goalscorer with a whopping 85 goals (per Transfermarkt), but that doesn't get Lukaku off the hook. Nowadays primarily plying his trade in the slower Italian Serie A, this gives him more leeway with his lack of application in the press and often sluggish first touch and off-the-ball movement. The striker's tendency to go missing in key moments further cements his place on this list.

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A creative genius in his day, Mesut Özil's propensity to stroll around the pitch was increasingly criticised in the latter part of his career. Despite his technical brilliance, leading to an incredible 217 career assists, according to Transfermarkt, the World Cup winner and former Real Madrid star found himself becoming a bit of a luxury player at Arsenal as the focus became increasingly on pressing high.

While we must applaud his undeniable longevity, Ronaldo’s defensive contributions have dwindled significantly in his later career. For many years now, the Portugal legend has prioritised conserving energy for attacking phases, leaving many to question why he is still such a key part of his national team setup. Has he now turned into a liability?

Thirty-one years old and without a club, Pogba's career has taken a severe about-turn since winning the World Cup in 2018. The Frenchman seemed to be destined for the very top, but a series of managers, notably Sir Alex Ferguson and José Mourinho at Manchester United (across two spells), have criticised his outlook and outside influences, which too often have led to inconsistent performances and a reluctance to adapt his game to different systems.

Recoba was famously described in 2003 by the Guardian as the “world’s number one almost-great player”. This title reflected his undeniable talent, often squandered due to his lack of drive. His wife even described him as "lazy and romantic," pointing to a disinterest in the effort required to fully harness his ability. At Venezia, his teammates once gifted him a watch, a not-so-subtle hint at his chronic tardiness to training sessions. The Uruguayan’s lack of urgency on the pitch was evident, with flashes of brilliance undermined by his reluctance to apply himself consistently.

Neymar may be one of the most skilful players in the world, but his work ethic has often fallen short. With a tendency to conserve energy for attacking phases, Neymar’s theatrical diving, time-wasting and off-field distractions have also frustrated fans. Given the heights he hit at Barcelona as part of the famous 'MSN' frontline (alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez), critics argue he could have achieved much, much more with greater discipline.

Ben Arfa’s flair is matched only by his reputation for laziness. The ex-Lyon, Marseille, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain winger's work rate off the ball was virtually non-existent; his reluctance to press or track back left his teams vulnerable, leading to frequent clashes with coaches. Despite his elite-level ball-carrying and finishing abilities, he remained a player of unfulfilled potential.

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Throughout his career, Cassano's notorious lack of discipline led to him being dropped from multiple top clubs, including Real Madrid, where his performances were often below expectations. At Roma, the mercurial Italian regularly walked out of training sessions, and he famously refused to come on after being instructed to do so by Fabio Capello in the closing stages of a Serie A encounter. Underwhelming displays during Italy’s Euro 2012 campaign further illustrated his tendency to coast through games when not fully engaged.

'Lord Bendtner' is definitely a player whose self-belief didn't match his output on the pitch. Until heading to Rosenborg in the twilight of his career, the Dane couldn't nail down a starting berth anywhere he went, averaging just 19 appearances per year during his nine years at Arsenal, per Transfermarkt. His off-the-field antics, including run-ins with police, paired with a lack of fitness and intensity, made him something of a liability.

Balotelli’s speed, power and talent in front of goal is unquestionable, but his work ethic and personal struggles have consistently forsaken him. Throughout the years, despite flashes of brilliance, his lack of pressing and off-the-ball movement have frustrated successive coaches who thought they could finally get the best out of him. His career would certainly have reached much greater heights with more effort and a better disciplinary record.

Once among the world's best, Hazard’s decline at Real Madrid was stark (just 76 appearances in four years, per Transfermarkt). Frequent injuries hampered his fitness, but his mentality, particularly given his excess weight, was also frequently questioned. On the rare occasions he played, critics noted his reluctance to track back defensively and distinct lack of urgency in recovering the ball.

While former QPR manager Harry Redknapp holds his former player in high esteem, he told The Sun in 2014 that Taarabt was "the worst professional I have ever come across". Known for his flair and incredible dribbling ability, the Moroccan’s attitude, lack of defensive contribution and pressing are well-documented. Taarabt’s inconsistency, reluctance to work for the team and love of showboating meant he never hit the heights he seemed destined for.

Signed by Real Madrid for a then world record transfer fee of €100.8 million (£85.1 million), according to Football Leaks, the Welshman tops the list primarily due to his complete indifference to playing football. Bale’s frequent injuries, poor fitness and preference for golf and playing for the Welsh national team drew plenty of criticism. Despite his incredible talent and major highs, including two goals in their 2018 Champions League victory over Liverpool, his eventual departure on a free transfer tarnished his legacy.

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