Not just Antony: 10 players who disappointed in 2024

A few days ago, Dailysports presented its top 10 contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Now it’s time to talk about the other side of the coin. As we approach the end of 2024, here is a list of 10 players who turned out to be the biggest disappointments of the year.

10. Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)

Gabriel Jesus joined Arsenal as the solution to their lack of a prolific striker. Initially, things went well, with the former Manchester City forward scoring 11 goals in his first season. However, it all fell apart.

Frequent injuries began to haunt Jesus, and after returning, he failed to regain his form. This season, he has yet to score in the Premier League, with his last league goal dating back to January 30 against Nottingham Forest. Jesus has fallen out of Arsenal's starting lineup, appearing in the starting XI only twice this season.

9. Leroy Sané (Bayern Munich)

It’s surprising to see Leroy Sané on this list, but the winger has largely been underwhelming. At the start of last season, Sané had great chemistry with Harry Kane, reminiscent of Kane's partnership with Son Heung-min.

However, Sané flopped in 2024. His dip in form was one of the reasons behind Bayern’s struggles last season, as he played a key role in Thomas Tuchel’s plans.

Sané has managed just two Bundesliga goals and four assists in 2024. One of those goals came in a disappointing 1-2 loss to Mainz, where he scored into an open net. Unsurprisingly, Bayern has yet to extend his contract, which expires this summer.

8. Kalvin Phillips (on loan at Ipswich from Manchester City)

Kalvin Phillips was a key figure for Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds, joining Manchester City as a player expected to mirror Rodri’s impact. However, he failed to fit into Pep Guardiola's system, and his form hasn’t returned even after leaving the club.

After an unsuccessful loan spell at West Ham, Phillips was dropped from England’s Euro 2024 squad, even though Gareth Southgate had previously called him up despite his lack of playing time at City.

Phillips joined Premier League newcomers Ipswich on loan in August, making just seven appearances so far. He is currently sidelined with an injury, but even when he was on the field, his performances were unremarkable.

7. Milan Škriniar (PSG)

At Inter, Milan Škriniar was among the best defenders in Europe, but his move to PSG has been a disaster.

PSG head coach Luis Enrique emphasizes passing ability, and Škriniar struggles in this area compared to his teammates. In Ligue 1, where PSG dominates possession with over 70% in most games, Škriniar doesn’t fit the system.

This season, the 29-year-old Slovakian has played just five Ligue 1 matches, and Fabrizio Romano reports that he is likely to leave the club this winter.

6. Mason Mount (Manchester United)

Manchester United paid €64 million to sign Mount from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. The return? One goal and one assist in 31 matches across all competitions—a complete fiasco.

Mount’s career at Old Trafford has been plagued by injuries. He picked up another one in the recent match against Manchester City. Even when fit, Mount has failed to show the qualities that made him a key player for Chelsea.

While Mount doesn’t seem to fit Erik ten Hag’s style, his skill set might align better with Ruben Amorim’s tactics, providing hope that he could revive his career at United if he avoids injuries.

• Read also: RANKING. Top 21 greatest African footballers of the 21st century according to Dailysports

5. Randal Kolo Muani (PSG)

Kolo Muani scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in his lone season at Eintracht Frankfurt. He returned to Ligue 1 as a French national team striker and one of Europe’s best forwards. PSG paid €95 million for him, expecting him to complement Kylian Mbappé and score consistently.

However, in a year and a half at PSG, Kolo Muani has scored just 11 goals—far below expectations. Luis Enrique no longer relies on him, and Kolo Muani is expected to find a new club in January, possibly on loan.

4. Jack Grealish (Manchester City)

Jack Grealish has gone 45 matches without scoring for Manchester City—a shocking stat for a player who captivated England with his performances at Aston Villa. City paid a record €117 million for him, the highest ever for an English player.

Grealish now seems ill-suited to Pep Guardiola’s system. The 29-year-old lacks the speed to effectively contribute to City’s attacks, and his signature dribbles are now predictable for Premier League defenses. It’s hard to see how Grealish can revive his career at the Etihad.

3. Vitor Roque (on loan at Betis from Barcelona)

Vitor Roque came to Europe with enormous hype from Brazil, where he excelled at Athletico Paranaense. Barcelona reportedly beat Real Madrid in the race to sign him, paying €30 million—a hefty sum given the club’s financial struggles.

However, Roque quickly proved to be a poor fit at Barcelona, scoring just two goals in 14 appearances. Even a preseason opportunity under Hansi Flick didn’t go well. In August, he was loaned to Betis, where he has been equally underwhelming, managing just three goals in 13 La Liga matches.

2. Ansu Fati (Barcelona)

It’s heartbreaking to see what has become of Ansu Fati’s career. Once touted as Lionel Messi’s heir and given Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 shirt, Fati has become a fringe player, plagued by injuries.

Last season, Fati was loaned to Brighton, but even Roberto De Zerbi couldn’t reignite his career. After returning to Barcelona, Fati impressed Flick in training but has already suffered two injuries this season. He has played just seven games without recording any goal contributions.

1. Antony (Manchester United)

During Antony’s time at Ajax, UEFA ran a poll on its official page, asking whether he or Vinícius Júnior would have a greater career. Now, that question seems laughable.

While Vinícius is a Ballon d’Or contender, Antony has become a meme. Last season, the Brazilian played 29 Premier League matches for Manchester United, contributing just one goal and one assist. This season, he has barely featured and has yet to deliver any goal contributions.