Soccer players that were extremely talented as teenagers but failed to fulfil potential?

[Kross]

There were and still are some football players that were so promising as teenagers. They had so much talent that it was touted that they have the world of football at their feet. Some of those players didn't even live up to half of the potential they had as soccer players when they were teenagers. Which soccer players do you know that didn't have a career that matched their potential as teenagers? Balotelli comes to mind.

 

[Henry]

Neymar is a good example of such a player. I know that injury was a major concern at the end of the day, but he relaxed and wanted to achieve more without putting the efforts that was required into winning at the end of the day.

 

[sulivan147]

it is a shame so many people have talent but they fail to shine

 

[magnus2022]

There are some of them. Some of them that makes me feel like crying include
Robinho
Neymar jr
Mikel Obi
Rashfold
Anthony
Pato. Pato really break my heart. He is such a great talent but he could not play for Brazil because there is Bebeto which is super talent winger.

 

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

Balotelli is a very good example but Freddy Adu still interfers anytime this topic comes up. The hype around that guy was unbelievable. People were talking like the future had already been decided but football doesn't work like that. talent is important but discipline, injuries, mentality and even luck play key roles because they can decide plenty of things.

 

[Nomad]

Spanish footballer Ansu Fati was expected to be the next Messi but went on to beocme a benchwarmer. Alexandre Pato is Brazil's forgotten prodigy. Another player worth mentioning is Bojan. The Spanish player had a promising career when he was yound but fail to charm as he grew older.