Football players who excelled for their club but flopped for their country

Club or national team?

Football is a multi-faceted sport, and excelling at club level doesn't always translate to success on the international stage. While some players dominate for their clubs, making an impact for their national teams can prove far more challenging. Here are 15 players who struggled to make that leap!

Frank Lampard - England

We can't begin without mentioning England's so-called "Golden Generation." In the 2000s, the English national team boasted an array of exceptional talent, yet they failed to secure a single major trophy. One moment that encapsulates this frustration is Frank Lampard's (unfairly) disallowed goal against Germany in the 2010 World Cup. That same year, he set an unfortunate record: 37 shots without scoring in a single tournament, the most by any player since the 1966 World Cup, according to The Guardian.

Kevin de Bruyne - Belgium

Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world with Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne has struggled to replicate that same form on the international stage. His disappointing performances peaked at the 2022 World Cup, a tournament marred by divisive comments that deepened rifts within Belgium's squad.

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Steven Gerrard - England

Like Frank Lampard (or any other Englishman since 1966 for that matter), Steven Gerrard never managed to win a title with England. As captain during the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, he became the symbol of a Three Lions squad often criticized for its lack of creativity. Despite earning 114 caps and scoring 21 goals, according to Sofascore, Gerrard was never able to replicate the same level of performance for his country as he did at club level.

Gonzalo Higuain - Argentina

Despite scoring 32 goals in 75 appearances for Argentina, Gonzalo Higuain's international career is often overshadowed by high-profile misses. These crucial errors, particularly in key moments, are remembered for having cost Lionel Messi and his teammates the 2014 World Cup.

Luc Nilis - Belgium

More than 260 career goals, according to Transfermarkt , but only 10 with the Red Devils. An iconic PSV striker in the 90s, Luc Nilis always disappointed with Belgium.

Juninho Pernambucano - Brazil

An iconic player for Olympique Lyonnais in the 2000s, Juninho is best known as one of the greatest free-kick specialists in football history. Despite scoring an incredible 77 free-kicks throughout his career, only three of those came while representing Brazil.

Ciro Immobile - Italy

With 207 goals for Lazio, four Serie A top scorer titles, and a record 36 goals in a single season – tying with Gonzalo Higuain – Ciro Immobile has firmly cemented his place in Italian football history. However, his performances for the national team have been far less impressive, marked by inconsistency and underwhelming displays. Immobile has managed only 17 goals in 57 appearances for Italy, often failing to replicate his club-level success.

Eric Cantona - France

In absolute terms, Eric Cantona’s record for France wasn’t poor – he scored 20 goals in 45 appearances. By most standards, that's a solid performance. However, when you compare his transformative impact at Manchester United to his contributions to the international stage, the difference is striking. The "King" never quite reached the same heights with the French national team.

İlkay Gündoğan - Germany

A key figure in Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, İlkay Gündoğan never managed to secure a permanent starting role with the German national team. Though consistent, the midfielder's performances for Germany were never outstanding, leaving little lasting impression on the international stage.

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Hakan Çalhanoğlu - Türkiye

If you ask a Turkish fan about Hakan Çalhanoğlu's performances with the national team, disappointment is likely to be their response. While he has excelled at Bayer Leverkusen and Inter, the midfielder's contributions to the national team have been rather subdued, even with over 90 caps to his name.

Marco Reus - Germany

Talented yet frequently plagued by injuries, Marco Reus has been a dream player for Dortmund in the Bundesliga for over a decade. Unfortunately, he has consistently struggled to make an impact on the international stage, missing the 2010 World Cup and not participating in the 2014 tournament either.

Nicolas Anelka - France

Regarded as the "bad boy" of French football, Nicolas Anelka left a significant mark on the history of the Blues due to his infamous clash with coach Raymond Domenech during the 2010 World Cup. This is still the stuff of nightmares for some French fans today!

Mohamed Salah - Egypt

Although his nation has claimed seven African Cups of Nations titles, Mohamed Salah has yet to win one himself. Despite an impressive tally of 57 goals in over 100 caps, the 'Pharaoh' has been unable to deliver a new title for his country, having fallen short in two finals in 2017 and 2021.

Sergio Aguero - Argentina

Among the list of number nines who have struggled with the Argentine national team—such as Higuain, Icardi, and Lautaro Martinez – Sergio Agüero deserves a mention. A legend at Manchester City, the striker never managed to establish himself as a key player for the Albiceleste.

Bernardo Silva - Manchester City

Respected and beloved by all, Bernardo Silva is a player known for both his talent and his charm. However, it must be acknowledged that the Manchester City winger has struggled to make a significant impact with the Portuguese national team. While he is competent, he has yet to reach an excellent level, and that inconsistency poses a challenge.

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