5 most hated footballers in the world right now

#3 Luis Suarez (Atletico Madrid/Uruguay)

Uruguay v Colombia - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier

In his prime, Luis Suarez was definitely among the top-five strikers in the world. But the hugely talented Uruguayan is also one of modern sport's greatest villains. He has always suffered with temperamental issues and those have contributed to tarnishing his reputation.

The centre-forward is considered a very lucky man because despite his on-field theatrics the player has only been sent off twice in his career.

He has been booked for simulations in the final-third, has caused unrest in the dressing room and provoked rival fans. But that is just an everyday nuisance for Suarez and not what makes him special. Offenses like racially abusing Patrice Evra, handling the ball and affecting the outcome of games are the ones that make him the bad boy of football.

And of course, there are the infamous biting acts, performed with equal malice not once, twice but thrice! All at different times, all wearing different jerseys in complete consciousness.

Yet after all those altercations, charges and accusations, Suarez will be remembered as one of the most lethal strikers of modern football.

---

#2 Diego Costa (Spain)

Palmeiras v Atletico Mineiro - Brasileirao 2021

There are rumors suggesting that some clubs in the Premier League are lining up a return for Diego Costa to English football. If that comes true, then England might just get back one of the most hated figures to play there. In his time as a Chelsea player, Costa often riled up opposition fans and players.

The short-tempered centre-forward has been shown a yellow card 147 times in his career and has been given his marching orders 11 times. Keeping himself disciplined has been difficult for Costa, who has crossed the line on the pitch multiple times. The Blues fans had little problem with him because the player was trying to do everything to win, even if that meant getting nasty and unfair.

The Spanish international was a bully to defenders and that much credit he deserves. But very often he shoved players for no reason, head-butted them, attempted to bite them and sometimes even grabbed them by the neck. The rival fans absolutely hated the sight of Costa, not just because he'd give them a tough time but also because he played dirty.

The most notable instances for which he has invited all the hate have involved players like Everton's Gareth Barry and Stole City's Ryan Shawcross. In the 2015 League Cup semi-final, Costa had various toxic exchanges with the Liverpool side, whom he tried to take on all alone.

At the 2014 World Cup, the Brazil-born striker represented Spain after being unsure of making the Brazil squad. The reception that he got from the home fans was volatile, aggressive and they despised the sight of him. We can't wait to see if the former Atletico Madrid striker will be back in the Premier League this season.

Will the 33-year old be the same or will he be bullied by defenders this time?

---

#1 Neymar Jr. (PSG/Brazil)

Peru v Brazil - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022

There are many things that unite strangers in football, one of them is the rage and urge to troll Neymar Jr. The Brazilian is the most expensive footballer in the history of the sport but has failed to live up to those towering expectations. Many sides have tried to target him and to rough him up, but you can't deny he certainly is an actor par excellence and loves exaggerating.

The striker is one of the most gifted modern footballers and on his day he can take any defender for a spin. But when the going gets tough, Neymar chooses to side with his petty antics and influence the tide of the game. After years of continuing this on the big stage, audiences around the world really turned against him in 2018.

At the World Cup against Mexico, the PSG forward collided with Miguel Layon and acted afterwards as if he'd been shot in the leg! Premier League legend Alan Shearer and former England striker Gary Lineker rubbished his theatrics and were visibly upset at seeing a top level professional act so childishly.

His immaturity has been visible on the field on many occasions and he's just gotten carried away with his emotions. The conflict with Edinson Cavani on the penalty incident was well covered by the French media and Neymar was the villain again.

The Brazilian was supposed to be a man for the big moments, constantly grabbing headlines for the right reasons and he's done everything but that. In his best years he did not win the Ballon d'Or and was eclipsed by rising star Kylian Mbappe.