In 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo, in his prime, named six players he believed had the potential to become the best in the world. Seven years later, let’s explore where those players are today.
1. Marco Asensio
At 21, Marco Asensio was a rising star at Real Madrid, known for his spectacular long-range goals, including one in Madrid’s 2017 Champions League victory. However, despite almost 300 appearances for Madrid, he never fully secured a spot in their first XI. In 2023, he joined PSG on a free transfer, but has struggled for consistency, often finding himself on the bench. At 28, Asensio’s career is in a lull, far from the expectations set for him.
2. Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé, hailed as the next global superstar, was anointed as Real Madrid’s biggest signing since Ronaldo. While he’s still among the top players in the world, Mbappé hasn’t fully clinched the Ballon d’Or or a Champions League title at 26. He remains a major force in football, and many believe he’s on the verge of dominating the post-Ronaldo and Messi era at Madrid.
3. Neymar
At the time of his €222 million move to PSG, Neymar was considered one of football’s top talents. Despite his skills and impressive numbers, injuries and off-field distractions hindered his career. Neymar never won the Ballon d’Or or delivered the Champions League at PSG. At 32, after a lackluster 18 months at Al Hilal, Neymar has become somewhat forgotten in the football world.
4. Ousmane Dembélé
Ousmane Dembélé was signed by Barcelona in 2017 as a replacement for Neymar. While he faced challenges in meeting expectations due to injuries and discipline issues, Dembélé has become PSG’s key star after his transfer there. While not a global icon like Neymar or Mbappé, his growth and importance at PSG are notable.
5. Eden Hazard
Once one of the most exciting players in the Premier League, Eden Hazard’s move to Real Madrid in 2019 turned into a disaster. Despite costing over €100 million, Hazard struggled with injuries and form, contributing only 7 goals and 12 assists in 76 appearances. His contract was terminated early, and he retired at 32, an underwhelming end to what promised to be a stellar career.
6. Marcus Rashford
At just 18, Marcus Rashford was one of the most promising young talents in football. However, after a tough spell under Manchester United’s new manager Ruben Amorim, Rashford’s future with the club is uncertain. Despite his struggles, he remains just 27 years old and could still reach his full potential in a new chapter.
Conclusion
While these players once seemed destined to take over the world of football, their journeys have been filled with ups and downs. Some have lived up to expectations, while others have faltered due to injuries, inconsistency, or off-field distractions. Still, many of them, like Mbappé and Rashford, have the chance to reach their full potential in the years ahead.
