In a sport that thrives on hype, some world-class talents never quite get the universal recognition and praise they deserve. Whether overshadowed by superstar teammates, overlooked by managers or playing in a position that doesn’t dominate the headlines, these players have quietly operated at the highest level. Here’s our list of ten underrated players in the modern game.
10) Wayne Rooney
Rooney is widely considered as one of the best players of his generation, and rightfully so.
He is Manchester United’s all-time top goalscorer, an accolade he also held for England until Harry Kane surpassed him in 2023.
Throughout his career, he was far more than just a goalscorer, and it is these parts of his game that are underrated. Over the years, he repeatedly reinvented his game. From an explosive striker to a deep-lying creator, Rooney’s seamless transition into a midfielder later in his career was a testament to his footballing intelligence.
He won five Premier League titles, a Champions League and countless domestic cups, but what made him special was his willingness to adapt for the team.
Rooney will never be forgotten, but his ability to slot in almost anywhere on the pitch remains underappreciated.
9) Neymar
Neymar is another interesting case.
Overshadowed by Messi at Barcelona and pigeonholed into a role that didn’t suit him at PSG, Neymar’s career didn’t quite have the longevity at the top that many would have hoped for.
He isn’t underrated as a player, but important parts of his game certainly are.
Brazil’s all-time top scorer, his vision, movement and game intelligence often gets lost among the highlight reels of flicks and tricks.
8) David Villa
Undoubtedly one of the most clinical strikers of his generation.
Villa was pivotal in Spain’s Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 triumphs, scoring vital goals when it mattered most. At club level, he starred for Valencia before joining Barcelona where he adapted to a wider, supporting role alongside Lionel Messi.
His movement and intelligence were elite, yet he rarely gets mentioned alongside the all-time great strikers.
7) Ángel Di María
Di María is among a small group of elite players to have played with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in their prime.
At Real Madrid, he was a creative force, often overshadowed by Ronaldo but instrumental in their success. His man of the match performance in the 2014 Champions League final helped Madrid to clinch La Décima.
For Argentina, he spent his international career in Messi’s shadow yet still consistently delivered on the biggest stages, with goals in the 2021 Copa América final and 2022 World Cup final.
His inclusion in this list is because he was a world class talent in his own right, not just a sidekick to two of the game’s greatest players.
6) Pepe
Often remembered for his fiery temperament, Pepe’s actual football ability has been vastly underrated. He was quick, dominant in the air and capable of stepping out with the ball.
His defensive partnership with Sergio Ramos underpinned three Champions League titles.
For Portugal, his performance in the Euro 2016 final, where he kept Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud quiet, was a defensive masterclass.
Even into his late 30s and early 40s, he was delivering high-level performances for Porto and Portugal.
5) Pedro
Pedro had a knack for scoring when it mattered most, notably the 2011 and 2015 Champions League finals and countless El Clásicos.
At Barcelona, his tireless pressing, perfectly timed runs and ability to finish with either foot made him a nightmare to defend against. His versatility across the front line was crucial to Barcelona’s fluid attack.
He rarely grabbed the headlines, but his consistency and versatility made him invaluable wherever he played.
4) Dani Carvajal
One of the most, if not the most complete right-backs of the 21st century.
Carvajal has been a mainstay in Real Madrid’s Champions League dominance.
He is a rare full-back who is equally valuable in both attacking and defending. Injuries might have restricted his game time in some seasons, but whenever he’s fit, Madrid’s defence feels more secure.
Despite being instrumental in multiple Champions League titles and La Liga trophies, he’s rarely given the respect he deserves.
3) Javier Mascherano
Mascherano began as a tenacious defensive midfielder, forming an impressive but short-lived midfield trio with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso for Liverpool.
Following his move to Barcelona, his reading of the game and aggressive anticipation helped establish the Argentinian as one of the world’s best centre-backs. He was part of the Champions League winning sides under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.
His famous last-ditch tackle on Arjen Robben in the 2014 World Cup semi-final kept Argentina in the game.
His adaptability and leadership made him a manager’s dream, but his quiet personality meant he rarely took the spotlight.
2) Gabi
Atlético Madrid’s La Liga win in 2013/14 was built on defensive organisation and discipline; Gabi was the midfield enforcer at the core of this.
He covered every blade of grass, broke up attacks and kept possession simple but effective. He was never a flashy player but Simeone’s system relied heavily on his intelligence and game management.
The fact that Gabi never earned a senior cap for Spain says a lot about how overlooked he was, despite being central to Atlético Madrid’s success.
1) Santi Cazorla
Cazorla’s ability to use both feet with equal precision made him one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the Premier League era.
He dictated games for Arsenal through a combination of clever passing, close dribbling and control in tight spaces.
Multiple surgeries nearly ended his career, yet his return to Villarreal produced one of La Liga’s feel-good stories.
He is almost universally loved by football fans, but never given the superstar billing his skill warranted.
