5 players who peaked too early

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#3 Mario Balotelli

Parma Calcio v Brescia Calcio - Serie A

Mario Balotelli is by no means an unknown name to the football fans. However, the striker is mostly remembered for his controversial moments rather than his talent.

Balotelli was regarded as a prodigious forward during his days with Inter Milan. The Italy international produced some excellent performances as a young star for the club, but made headlines due to his antics off the field. He signed for Manchester City in 2010.

Controversy has followed Balotelli to every club. The 31-year-old never truly established himself at club level, representing the likes of AC Milan, Liverpool, Nice and Marseille. Balotelli's talent has never been in question, but it would be fair to say that he has not done as well as many would have hoped. He currently plays for Adana Demirspor.

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#2 Robinho

Ajax Amsterdam v AC Milan - UEFA Champions League

Robinho has 100 caps for the Brazil national team, so on paper he has done well and enjoyed a good career.

However, much more was expected of him. The Brazilian made waves at Santos with his performances, so much so that Real Madrid decided to sign him in 2005. Robinho did fairly well in Spain, making more than 100 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos and winning two La Liga titles.

A £38.7 million move to Manchester City followed in 2008, and Robinho's career slowed down after that. The attacker failed to impress in England and spent some time in Italy with AC Milan. After spells in China, Brazil and Turkey, the 37-year-old retired in 2020.

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#1 Michael Owen

England U21 v Andorra U21 - 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier

Michael Owen spent much of his playing career representing Liverpool, where he also enjoyed most of his success as a player.

Owen was Liverpool's primary star from a very young age. Technically gifted, fast and with good finishing ability, Owen was a regular goalscorer for his boyhood club. However, the England international was utilised extremely consistently from the very beginning. This might have caused the various injury issues he suffered during the latter stages of his career.

Owen won the Ballon d'Or in 2001 for his performances. He represented Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City following his Liverpool spell. He failed to replicate his Liverpool form at any of those clubs and retired in 2013.

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