It’s easy to understand why soccer fans hate opposing players. They naturally turn against the most gifted opponents since they’re usually the ones who do the most damage to their teams. However, some players are also hated by their own fans as well as just about everybody else.
There are several reasons for soccer players to be disliked by so many, including their skill level, dirty play, cheating, arrogant attitudes, and constant complaining. But there are also other reasons in this list of Europe’s 15 most hated soccer players including extra-marital affairs, constant injuries and even tax evasion. Check out the list below to see who’s hated by who, and why.
15. Marouane Fellaini – Manchester United
When Belgian international Marouane Fellaini was playing with Everton of the English Premier League it looked like he had the potential to be a star. But ever since his former Everton boss David Moyes brought him to Old Trafford, he hasn’t lived up to the hype. Everton supporters obviously weren’t thrilled with him leaving and at this stage Manchester United fans haven’t been thrilled about him arriving a few seasons ago. Fellaini’s own fans often taunt him via stadium chants and social media due to his ineffective play, as well as his penchant for receiving needless yellow and red cards at the worst times. Fellaini rarely sees his name on the score sheet these days and while opposing fans are probably glad to see him on the pitch for United, his own supporters generally cringe when he makes an appearance. He’s not a favorite of opposing players either, as he throws more elbows than hockey’s Gordie Howe did.
(AP Photo/Michael Sohn)
