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Many legendary players in the game right now had humble beginnings. With their incredible performances and consistency over the years, these players have become iconic figures in football
However, nothing lasts forever. It's only natural that everything that goes up, eventually comes down. Footballers are not exempt from that. There has been a noticeable decline in the performances of some legendary superstars this year.
They have either lost some major aspects of their game, or struggled to create magic like they once used to, becoming pale shadows of their former selves. With the turn of the year approaching, here's a look at five iconic footballers who have shown signs of decline this year:
#5 Sergio Busquets
It appears age is finally catching up with Barcelona's midfielder maestro Sergio Busquets. Following an underwhelming 2020-21 season, Busquets seemingly rolled back the years at the European Championship this summer. However, it appears that he is struggling once again.
The Spaniard has struggled to make an impact in Barcelona's midfield this season. He has become slow, finding it difficult to match the intensity of opposition teams, and is often caught out of position.
Sergio Busquets isn't as sharp as he once used to be. His passing, vision and link-up play have dropped significantly, making it a tough task for him to dominate proceedings from the centre. So far this season, the Spaniard has made 23 appearances for Barcelona across competitions, recording a solitary goal.
#4 Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez was key as Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the La Liga title last season. He scored 21 league goals in 32 games as the Rojiblancos won their first league title in seven years.
However, the Uruguayan has dropped below that level this season and has shown signs of a noticeable decline in recent weeks. He hasn't scored in his last seven games for Atletico Madrid, his longest goal drought in seven years.
Suarez has become more of a liability than an asset in front of goal in recent weeks and has been guilty of squandering clear-cut goalscoring chances.
#3 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is another veteran goalscorer whose game-changing abilities seem to be on the wane.
The Swede seems to be losing his battle with injuries these days. He couldn't participate in the European Championship in the summer because of a knee problem. He has also missed a whopping ten games already this season due to fitness issues.
Ibrahimovic has made 15 appearances for AC Milan across competitions this season, contributing seven goals and two assists. It is worth noting that all his efforts in front of goal have come in Serie A.
The legendary striker is struggling to make his impact felt, especially in the big games. He failed to make any tangible contributions in the Champions League as Milan finished fourth.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a sensational return to Manchester United this summer. The Portuguese forward has rescued the Red Devils with a number of vital late goals this season. However, his overall impact has dropped significantly, especially in big games.
Ronaldo was helpless as Liverpool humiliated Manchester United 5-0 at Old Trafford in October. He also fired blanks against Manchester City, Chelsea, Leicester City and Aston Villa.
Ronaldo's reputation as a big-game player is taking a dent. Gone are the days when he would single-handedly tear opposition defenses apart with his sharp dribbling skills and sheer pace. These days, he spends most of his time ambling in the penalty box, waiting for opportunities to pounce on. It goes without mentioning that his lack of pressing has cost the team significantly this season.
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has endured a difficult time since joining Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona this summer. The Argentine's spell in the French capital has left a lot to be desired. He has especially struggled in the French top flight, scoring just once in ten games.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has had a better outing in the Champions League though, scoring five times in as many games.
