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Elite footballers are revered by fans worldwide, and they become cultural icons in their countries. These footballers are idolised by young kids who want to be like them. That makes it all the more important for such elite players to set a good example for younger generations.
Every footballer wants to be remembered for their achievements and records on the pitch. However, actions off it can stain their on-field exploits. On that note, here is a look at the five legendary footballers who ruined their legacy.
#5 Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is regarded by many as one of the most talented and gifted English footballers of the century. However, his stellar on-field achievements have often been overshadowed by his antics off it.
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In 559 appearances for Manchester United, Rooney registered 253 goals and 146 assists. He also scored 53 goals and provided 21 assists in 120 appearances for the national team. However, Rooney, till date, remains one of the most polarising figures in English football. His most recent scandal came to light in July earlier this year.
The Manchester United legend was caught partying in a hotel with Snapchat models following a night out. Rooney was also embroiled in a sex scandal in 2004. Reports emerged that Rooney had paid for sexual intercourse with a sex worker. He reportedly gave her his autograph as a 'souvenir'.
A month later, another report emerged claiming that Rooney slept with another woman at a brothel. Rooney has also cheated on his wife, Coleen Rooney, while she was pregnant with Kai Rooney.
In the documentary titled "Rooney," the Manchester United legend said:
“What people don’t understand is, you’re 17 years of age … there’s going to be mistakes made. People still look at me in a different way. But it’s important that people remember me for who I am rather than what I’ve done. Football is, and will be, part of my life until the day I die … whether I like it or not.”
#4 Michael Owen
Michael Owen is the last Englishman to have won the prestigious Ballon d'Or accolade. But he tarnished his legacy by representing arch-rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.
The 41-year old joined Liverpool's youth set-up when he was just 17. Owen rose through the ranks to establish himself as one of the first names in Liverpool's team sheet. He enjoyed a memorable 2000-01 campaign with his boyhood club, scoring 24 goals and providing eight assists across competitions. He would go on to win the Ballon d'Or award in 2001 before parting ways with Liverpool three years later.
While most Liverpool fans forgave Owen for making the move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2004, his legacy was tarnished in 2009. That's because that summer Owen joined forces with Liverpool's arch-rivals Manchester United.
The Englishman would go on to spend three seasons at Old Trafford, winning the Premier League title in 2010-11.
#3 Ryan Giggs
A graduate of the esteemed Class of '92, Ryan Giggs is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in Manchester United and British football history. However, Giggs reportedly assaulted two women, which will forever stain his legacy.
The 47-year-old was charged with causing bodily harm to a woman in her 30s and common assault to a woman in her 20s. The incident took place in Salsburg on November 2020. Giggs is also charged with one count of coercive or controlling behaviour.
In a recent statement, Giggs said:
“I have full respect for the due process of law, and understand the seriousness of the allegations. I look forward to clearing my name.”
The Welshman is one of the most decorated footballers in Premier League history. He donned the reds of Manchester United throughout his 24-year career. He joined the club's youth system in 1987, making the move from the blue side of Manchester. Giggs notched up a whopping tally of 963 appearances for The Red Devils.
In 632 Premier League appearances for his boyhood club, Giggs was directly involved in 271 goals (109 goals, 162 assists). He was appointed OBE in 2007. After recent events, though, the Welshman's legacy has been tainted.
#2 Paolo Di Canio
Paolo Di Canio has donned the colours of some of the biggest names in Italian football, including Juventus, AC Milan, Napoli and Lazio.
The -53-year old also represented West Ham, Charlton Athletic, Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday during his eight-year spell in the UK. Di Canio would most famously lift the Serie A title with AC Milan in 1995-96, acquiring cult status. According to reports, Sir Alex Ferguson was very keen on the Italian's signature.
However, his off-field activities have ruined his legacy and reputation. A self-proclaimed 'fascist', Di Canio was suspended from Sky Italia for displaying a tattoo on his right bicep that said 'Dux'. Dux is the name by which Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was known by.
During his two-year spell at Lazio, Di Canio performed a Nazi salute along with Biancocelesti's right-wing ultras. He joined them for their infamous Roman salute by raising his right arm.
#1 Michel Platini
Three-time Ballon d'Or winner Michel Platini is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers in the history of the beautiful sport. The Frenchman is one of the most decorated footballers in the game. He has won almost every trophy he competed for with country and club.
Platini won the 1984-85 European Champions Clubs Cup with Juventus. and also won two Serie A titles with the Bianconeri. Along with three successive Ballon d'Or awards between 1983 and 1985, Platini also won the European Championship with France in 1984.
After hanging up his boots in 1987, he went on to take over the reins as manager of the French national team. Platini then joined FIFA as an advisor in 1998. He was elevated to the status of board member four years later before becoming the vice-president in 2007. The Frenchman was elected to the office of the president of UEFA in 2007.
Platini gained infamy over corruption charges levelled against him during his stints with FIFA and UEFA. He was handed an eight-year ban from all footballing activities, and was one of the main accused along with Sepp Blatter.
In their findings, the ethics committee said:
“Platini lacked respect for the laws and regulations of the organisation.”
The 66-year old was also involved in Greece's football scandal, and was named in the Panama Papers.
