Football always evokes strong emotions in us, just like any other sport. However, those emotions aren’t always favorable. We have seen tears of joy and sorrow, as well as rage and frustration, throughout the past few decades.
On the field, things can get really nasty when pressure is on or a big prize is at stake, especially if things don’t go your way. Players and management have been known to spit the dummy out over a variety of issues, including contentious refereeing calls.
The ten worst football losers in history have been ranked by GIVEMESPORT, and some of the names on the list are probably familiar to you.
10Neymar
Formerly of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain
Neymar is viewed by many as one of the greatest talent wastes of the modern era. Aside from his occasional outbursts of genius during crucial games for both Barcelona and PSG, he has been accused of being lethargic off the ball throughout his European career.
Although the Brazilian great is renowned for his skill on the field, he is not always a good loser. Neymar has engaged in a number of contentious incidents following defeats, including teasing rivals on social media and addressing referees. He broke down in tears following Paris Saint-Germain’s defeat to Bayern Munich in the 2019–20 UEFA Champions League final. His worst “sore loser” impression, however, is far from this.
Barcelona fell short against Valencia 2-1 in the 2015–16 La Liga season. The attacker seemed to vent his annoyance on opposing defender Antonio Barragan after the game. As Barragan celebrated with his teammates, the Brazil international was seen giving him a back slap.
9Didier Drogba
Formerly of Chelsea
The idea that a man with Didier Drogba’s physique would act like a spoiled child after losing a football match is absurd. After Chelsea’s contentious elimination from the 2008–09 UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Barcelona, the former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker, who was a warrior on the field and frequently bullied the rival defenders, lost it.
The Blues had a 1-0 advantage and were just a few seconds away from advancing to the finals. But far into stoppage time, Andres Iniesta gave Barca the equalizer, meaning they would advance on away goals. On live television, the Ivorian striker yelled, “It’s a f*****g disgrace!” as he rushed towards the referee following the final whistle.
8Pep Guardiola
Current Manager of Manchester City, Formerly Barcelona and Bayern Munich
On this list, Pep Guardiola comes in at number eight. Fortunately for everyone, as a manager, the Spaniard rarely experiences defeat. However, he definitely goes to a whole new level of complaining in his press conferences and interviews when he loses.
Despite being one of the best football strategists, Guardiola expresses his annoyance when things don’t go his way. Pep has had his share of post-match outbursts, whether it’s accusing referees, contesting regulations, or mocking officials. For instance, he yelled, “Thank you so much!” to the referees several times following Manchester City’s 3-1 loss to Liverpool in 2019. He was obviously unhappy about the contentious calls.
In recent years, we’ve even saw him do some strange things following draws, such following the Champions League 3-3 tie with Feyenoord in 2024–2025. When asked why he had scratches all over his face and head on his way into post-match interviews, Guardiola said that he had done it himself.
7Luis Suarez
Formerly of Liverpool and Barcelona
Luis Suarez, a forward from Uruguay, comes in at number seven. Despite being one of the greatest attackers in recent memory, Suarez has a long list of contentious incidents, and his response to defeat is equally spectacular.
Suarez is prone to emotional outbursts, as evidenced by his refusal to shake hands with Patrice Evra following a racism scandal, his addition of fuel to the fire between Manchester United and Liverpool, his biting of Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder in frustration during the 2014 World Cup, and his uncontrollable crying following Uruguay’s elimination in 2018.
Suarez clearly detests playing for the losing team. When he made an incredible save with his hand to deny Ghana a goal in the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup, the current Inter Miami star was part in one of the most contentious moments in the tournament’s history. They would send the Uruguayan off to play handball. But Ghana lost painfully on penalties after missing the penalty, preventing them from reaching the semi-finals.
6Pepe
Formerly of Real Madrid and Porto
Despite being regarded as one of the best center defenders of the modern period, the former Portuguese mainstay was a horrible loser who was notorious for his aggressive defending style and short fuse.
Throughout his incredible 23-year career, the former Real Madrid defender made angry outbursts at both opponents and referees. When he intentionally kicked Javier Casquero of Getafe when he was on the ground after giving up a penalty in 2009, it was one of his harshest outbursts. In addition, he has been accused of breaking the rules on multiple times in order to defraud the match officials and obtain an edge.
5Luciano Gaucci
Former Italian Football Club Owner
After the 2002 World Cup, the football world witnessed one of the most bizarre stories of the twenty-first century. The owner of Perugia Calcio at the time, Luciano Gaucci, made news throughout the world when he threatened to fire South Korean midfielder Ahn Jung-Hwan. Italy was eliminated from the World Cup by a golden goal from Jung-Hwan, who was then on loan to Gaucci’s Perugia football club.
Gaucci was cited as saying, “I have no intention of paying a salary to someone who has ruined Italian football,” in reference to his quick public remarks over Ahn’s contract cancellation.
4Arsene Wenger
Formerly of Arsenal
During his remarkable 22 years as Arsenal’s manager, Arsene Wenger witnessed several altercations and strops on the touchline both during and after games. Despite winning three titles and being regarded as one of the best managers in Premier League history, the Frenchman frequently found it difficult to accept defeat.
He had a long-standing feud with Sir Alex Ferguson, the previous manager of Manchester United, and following defeats, he would frequently point the finger at the weather, the schedule, and the referees. His catchphrase, “I did not see it,” became a common joke whenever players from Arsenal were implicated in contentious situations like flagrant fouls and red card offenses.
Additionally, when he managed Chelsea, he had numerous arguments with his fiercest competitors, including Jose Mourinho, if the outcome of the match did not suit him.
3Jurgen Klopp
Formerly of Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool
For football fans, Jurgen Klopp was like Marmite during his tenure in England; you either loved him or you despised him. Although many neutral and opponent supporters despised the German coach because of his demeanor following losses, his enthusiasm and charm made him a favorite among Liverpool fans.
He has attributed Liverpool’s defeats to the weather at one point, as well as to officials and broadcasters for specific kickoff timings. Following a loss against Everton, he made one of his most well-known justifications: “The wind was too strong.”
2Jose Mourinho
Formerly of Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Roma
Jose Mourinho is without a doubt one of the most significant figures in the modern period. “The Special One” has always placed the blame for losses on referees, opposing managers, his own players, and, shockingly, even ball boys.
When Real Madrid lost to Barcelona in 2011, he had one of his most well-known tantrums and jabbed Tito Vilanova in the eye. Mourinho is well-known for his conspiracy theories, caustic remarks, and denial of accountability.
His most recent outburst occurred following his team, Roma, losing to Sevilla on penalties in a fierce match at the 2022–2023 UEFA Europa League final. Mourinho would have wild outbursts regarding match referee Anthony Taylor after the game. His annoyance did not end there; he pursued Taylor into the parking lot to chastise him about his performance, during which Mourinho would hurl obscenities.
1Cristiano Ronaldo
Formerly of Manchester United and Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo is ranked first, as you may have already guessed. Unquestionably one of the best players and goal scorers in history, the Portugal international truly disappoints himself after a significant defeat.
When things are not going his way, CR7 has been known to have numerous tantrums on the field over his incredible career. He has stormed off the field without shaking his hands, flung the captain’s armband in rage, and even refused to admit loss in news conferences and interviews after games.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United player has also acknowledged in the past that he detests losing, which explains his numerous outbursts in similar circumstances. Fortunately for him, he hasn’t suffered many losses in his career.
