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#6 Ryan Babel
Ryan Babel was one of the brightest graduates out of Ajax's academy, but his name is not taken in the same breath as some of his other contemporaries who came from far humbler beginnings.
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In that perspective, it wouldn't be too out of place to term Babel's career as one of modest success but massive disappointment.
Babel was never touted to be the next Messi or Ronaldo, but Liverpool were impressed enough by his attributes and the promise he carried to bring him to Anfield in the summer of 2007.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup finalist, however, struggled to get going under three different managers at the English club. Babel was beset by disciplinary issues at his next club - Hoffenheim - before he returned to his boyhood club for one season.
Babel tried his luck in four different leagues over the next eight years before arriving at Ajax for a third stint last year.
The 33-year-old would later reminisce about his 'failings' at Liverpool under manager Rafael Benitez. However, he largely has himself to blame for his inability to adapt to new surroundings and make a name for himself at one of the biggest football clubs in the world.
“For a 20 year old the gap from Holland to England is massive. That’s a fact. Not all players are able to settle in directly from day one. I remember even Van Persie needed two, three years but he became Van Persie. The difference is I think Wenger actually helped him develop and gave him time.”
#5 Kleberson
Kleberson was signed by Manchester United on the same day as a certain Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003, but the careers of the two players could not have progressed in more opposite directions.
The player was in much demand after impressing in Brazil's victorious campaign at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. However, Kleberson struggled to replicate that at Manchester United.
While Ronaldo evolved to become arguably one of the greatest players in the game's history, the Brazilian midfielder lasted only two seasons at Old Trafford before he tried his luck with Besiktas in Turkey.
Kleberson was soon back in his native Brazil and also played in the US before calling time on his career in 2016.
#4 Freddy Atu
Freddy Atu was dubbed the 'new Pele' at the tender age of 14 when he signed the then-most expensive contract in MLS history with DC United in 2003.
Nike tied him to a $1 million contract that led many to proclaim that the teenager had more commercial potential than LeBron James. Nevertheless, after etching a few records in the competition, Atu moved to Benfica to try his luck in Europe.
And that was when his promising career began to spectacularly unravel.
The attacking midfielder, who was also versatile enough to play as a forward, became the proverbial journeyman as he dabbled his luck in a bevvy of clubs in the old continent. Atu returned to the MLS in 2011 but was not the same player again.
Presently plying his trade with Osterlen in the Swedish first division, Atu is a pale shadow of the young teenager who earned lavish praise from Pele himself.
At 31, Atu is already burnt out from excessive travel and massive expectations put on his young shoulders. The player, who turned out to be yet another victim of the trappings of fame, is a poignant example of what can happen when a young player is suddenly thrust into the limelight when he is far from ready for it.
"My family was really poor. My mum was working two or three jobs to take care of my brother and me. So if Nike come to you and say they want to give you a million-dollar contract and the MLS wants to make you the highest-paid player at 14, you can’t say no. You just can’t. I said yes to everything that was asked of me and ended up doing a lot of appearances, a lot of promotion, a lot of interviews, and it took away from the football on the field. People saw me more as a marketing tool," bemoaned Atu in an interview.
