In brief
The top ten underappreciated football players in the world have been identified.
The list includes one of Liverpool’s 2024–2025 Premier League victories.
At the top is a multiple Champions League champion.
A good team is made up of many different components. Strong tactics and a competent coach are essential. Superstar players are also very helpful in elevating a team to a higher level, provided that their egos are controlled. But without the unsung heroes who support and uplift them, those well-known names would mean nothing.
There aren’t many athletes who receive as little attention as those who are utterly underestimated, but it’s safe to say that you’d much rather be underrated than overrated. There are other instances like this in the football world, but we have chosen to highlight the ten that we think are deserving of much more recognition than they now receive.
10Yoanne Wissa
Brentford
Many would have predicted that Brentford would have to make a last-ditch effort to replace Ivan Toney’s goals. However, a man who was already in the wings has emerged victorious. As the primary striker at the Gtech Community Stadium, Yoane Wissa has excelled, tallying 16 Premier League goals and dishing out four assists. The fact that Wissa is so close after years of being a glorified backup is an amazing progression, especially considering that Toney scored 20 goals in his best season.
Although the 28-year-old doesn’t receive as much recognition as Bryan Mbeumo, he is a true top performer who deserves his accolades. Wissa has been known to pull off a few acrobatic finishes, though, in addition to his tap-ins and clumsy goals. He is the kind of leader that certain elite Premier League teams could use.
9Noussair Mazraoui
Manchester United
On paper, Noussair Mazraoui was arguably the least interesting of Manchester United’s 2024 additions. The Moroccan joined with the lowest transfer cost and the least amount of hype after failing to maintain a consistent starting position at Bayern Munich. Actually, he was only Matthijs De Ligt’s sidekick, the more expensive Munich acquisition.
Mazraoui has frequently provided excitement throughout Old Trafford’s terrible season. He has undoubtedly had moments when he could have performed better, and he is not Ruben Amorim’s best option at right wing-back. However, Mazraoui has proven his ability whether playing on the right of a back four or back three, and at £13 million, he looks to be one of the best deals United has found in a long time.
8Eduardo Camavinga
Real Madrid
Eduardo Camavinga, who was once hailed as a surefire future superstar, has undoubtedly made progress toward realizing his promise. Given Real Madrid’s recent insistence on giving new Galacticos priority, some could contend that he has been eclipsed by his colleagues, which is reasonable. However, the fact that the Frenchman plays wherever he is asked to may have contributed to his stunted improvement.
This season, the 22-year-old midfielder has only started 33% of La Liga games. In addition to being a fantastic alternative to have off the bench, he has performed admirably when called upon to fill in at left-back. Camavinga’s skills would be more valued on a different squad. He loses himself in the hustle at the Bernabeu.
7Jurrien Timber
Arsenal
Jurrien Timber, a versatile defender who overcame a terrible ACL injury to establish himself as a vital member of Mikel Arteta’s backline, has gradually developed into one of the most underappreciated players at the Emirates. Although defensive accolades are frequently given to Gabriel and William Saliba, many overlook Timber’s ability to fill in for injured players and his ability to hold onto the right-back position even after Ben White has recovered.
It is impossible to overstate the Dutchman’s ability to play wherever in the back four. Additionally, given the number of injuries that have hindered Arsenal’s defense, his dependability and versatility make him a priceless addition to the red half of North London.
6Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool
Despite the influence that superstars like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have had on Liverpool’s Premier League championship run, World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister is one player who has continuously produced outstanding performances. The importance of the Argentine at Anfield is well known to Reds supporters, but the former Brighton player isn’t as well-liked by neutrals.
Since moving to Merseyside in 2023, Mac Allister has become more self-assured and responsible. He has also developed a strong working relationship with Ryan Gravenberch in the Liverpool engine room. He is now regarded as one of the top midfield players in the Premier League, and with good reason.
5Bernardo Silva
Manchester City
Manchester City has had a season to forget, but at least they can say that Bernardo Silva has kept doing what he does best. The Portuguese has long been an unsung hero at the Etihad while they were winning trophy after trophy, but the decline that most of his teammates saw has made the former Monaco player stand out even more. Manager Pep Guardiola has praised Silva’s efforts, saying that he is desperate to hold onto him despite Barcelona’s interest. If Silva leaves, it will be harder than some think to replace him.
4Ederson
Atalanta
One may argue that Ederson is no longer particularly underappreciated. After all, clubs like Manchester United are reportedly interested in him, making him one of the most talked-about holding midfielders in Europe right now. However, despite the increased focus, it still seems that the Brazilian hasn’t gotten the recognition that his steady performances merit.
He has been instrumental in Atalanta’s consistent ascent up the Serie A standings since joining in 2022, and he was a key component of their Europa League victory in 2023–2024. It could be one of those situations where the club won’t recognize his full worth until he leaves.
3Hakan Calhanoglu
Inter Milan
Hakan Calhanoglu is frequently referred to as one of the top set-piece takers in European football. Even if the Turkish star is as accurate as it gets from dead balls, it would be lazy and miss the greater picture to limit his game to that.
Calhanoglu is once again a conventional attacking midfielder, but as he has grown older, he has taken on a deeper role and established himself as a vital playmaker in Inter’s midfield. He has made it appear effortless, but it’s a difficult change that not all players can manage. The 31-year-old will undoubtedly continue to play a supporting role as Inter strives for European glory, with players like Nicolo Barella and Lautaro Martinez making headlines.
2Antoine Griezmann
Atletico Madrid
Even if your current form isn’t as good as it used to be, you deserve to rank highly on our list when the legendary Thierry Henry deems you the most underappreciated player in football history. Even if Antoine Griezmann is getting older and displaying symptoms of weariness, he is still having a significant impact on Atletico Madrid with 24 goals this season.
Because of his contribution to the French national team’s prosperous years, the club’s all-time top scorer is frequently regarded as underappreciated. Even though most teams would consider his talent excellent enough to be a luxury player, he has had to adopt a similar role under Diego Simeone—defending as hard as he assaults.
1Federico Valverde
Real Madrid
Right now, it’s difficult to pinpoint Federico Valverde’s precise role on a football field. Although the 26-year-old is a central midfielder by trade, you could probably count on two hands how frequently he really plays that position for Real Madrid because he appears to play everywhere.
Even more impressive is the fact that Valverde is typically among the world’s best at whatever job he plays. He is known to Uruguayan football fans as “Garra Charrua” for his unwavering passion and intensity in every game. But don’t undervalue his technical prowess. He is among the world’s top midfielders for a reason; the Galacticos around him tend to eclipse him.
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