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It isn't uncommon to see players coming up from nowhere and enjoying a record-breaking season only to slip off the radar. From the likes of Amr Zaki and Carlos Alberto to the likes of Michu and Vincent Janssen, there have been several one-season wonders in its long and illustrious history.
That's why fans are careful when it comes to hyping players who experience a sudden explosive rise. Many players who recorded quick improvement and unreal stats in a single campaign have had the one-season wonder tag attached to them over the years.
While many such players couldn't dismiss those claims, a few were able to win over doubters by maintaining a high level of performance in subsequent seasons. On that note, here's a look at five such players:
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#5 Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale announced himself during the 2010-11 campaign when he scored a memorable hat-trick against Inter Milan at the San Siro. The Welshman bagged double digits for both goals and assists, and was awarded the PFA Player of the Year award that season.
Many labelled Bale a one-season wonder during that successful campaign, but they were all wrong. After a couple of decent outings with Tottenham Hotspur, Gareth Bale earned a mega move to Real Madrid, where took his game to another level.
Since joining the Liga giants in the summer of 2013, the Welshman has made 254 appearances for them across competitions, recording 106 goals and 68 assists. He has also won several honours like four Champions League, two La Liga, four UEFA Super Cups, and many more.
#4 Andrea Belotti
Many fans were quick to label Andrea Belotti a one-season wonder when the striker hit the ground running with 28 goals for Torino in the 2016-17 campaign. They were made to swallow their words, as the 27-year-old thrived in the division over the last few seasons.
Andrea Belotti has maintained his pedigree as a key player for Torino, putting up scintillating performances to fire the team in front of goal. So far, the Italian has made 231 appearances for the Serie A outfit, recording 106 goals and 26 assists. He has also had a decent spell with Italy, scoring 12 times in 39,games.
#3 Jamie Vardy
It wasn't just the rise of Jammie Vardy that surprised many in the 2015-16 season. Everything Leicester City did that season was a fairy tale. The Foxes upset the odds and made history by winning the Premier League title.
Vardy was one of the standout performers in the team, making a massive contribution of 24 goals and eight assists in 32 appearances. The striker was labelled a one-season wonder for his staggering exploits that season. But he has managed to put those talks to bed by being one of the top performers in the English top flight over the next few seasons.
The Englishman now has an impressive 124 goals and 44 assists to his name in 252 Premier League appearances for Leicester City. Apart from his league triumph, he has also helped the Foxes claim both the FA Cup and the Community Shield titles.
#2 Harry Kane
Harry Kane emerged from seemingly nowhere to win the Premier League Golden Shoe in the 2015-16 campaign, scoring 25 goals for Tottenham Hotspur. Of course doubters stepped up, but they've been put to shame, as the striker has only risen from strength to since then.
As things stand, Harry Kane is among the finest finishers in Europe now, thanks to his impressive record in front of goal over the last few seasons. The 28-year-old has bagged two more Premier League Golden Boots, doing so in the 2016-17 and 2020-21 campaigns.
Kane has also had a remarkable stint at the international level. The Englishman finished as the top scorer in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, bagging six goals for England in their run to the semi-finals.
#1 Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah was signed by Liverpool from AS Roma in a deal worth £34 million ahead of the 2017-18 campaign. The Egyptian enjoyed an unbelievable debut season at Anfield, bagging 44 goals and 16 assists in 52 appearances across competitions.
Those who branded him a one-season wonder that year have been forced to take back their words. Salah has not only established himself at the summit of English football, but he has also inked his name among the most prolific attackers of the decade.
Since joining Liverpool four years ago, the Egyptian has bagged 134 goals and 50 assists for the Reds in 212 appearances across competitions. He has won the Premier League Golden Shoe, the PFA Player of the Year award and the African best player accolade. He has also won the Champions League, the Premier League, Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup with the Reds.
