Recently, multiple footballers accused of assault and rape-like heinous crimes have sullied the reputation of the sport. Footballers get famous for their blunders on the pitch but take a look at those who ruined their reputation for huge off-the-pitch mistakes. Notably, these are just the players whose names became public. There have been multiple footballers accused of assault. Their names haven’t been made public due to ongoing investigation.
11. Dani Alves (Sexual assault)
The alleged act took place on the night of December 31 in Barcelona. After being arrested by the police, a case was lodged against the full-back. On February 22, 2024, he was found guilty of the charges by Catalonia’s highest court and sentenced to four years and six months in prison. On top of that, Alves will also be under five years of supervised surveillance after his prison sentence is over. He will also cover the victim’s legal fees and pay her an additional €150,000 as compensation.
The incident occurred on New Year’s Eve, after which charges were filed. The Brazilian last played for Mexican side Pumas UNAM but had his contract terminated by the club in January 2023.
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10: Ched Evans (Rape)
The former Sheffield United striker was charged for raping a 19 year old drunk girl. After being sentenced for five years in prison, Evans was released in 2014 and signed for League One side Chesterfield. Later on he was not found guilty of the rape charge and saw his reputation ruined due to the false allegations.
Also Read: Unnamed Premier League footballer accused of assault
09: Joey Barton (Assault)
One of the most hated players in England, Barton spent six months in prison for punching a man in Liverpool. Joey also assaulted his former teammate Ousmane Dabo. As they say, “once a thug, always a thug”.
08: Luke McCormick (Dangerous Driving)
Football often delivers players with their dream: money, fame and women. But drunk Luke was too careless as he killed two of his younger brothers while returning from a party. He was driving at a speed of around 145 kmph. A 7-year prison sentence and lifelong grief will surely haunt the Plymouth Argyle keeper.
07: Breno Borges (Arson)
Former Bayern Munich man, Breno was sentenced to more than 3 years of prison in 2012 after setting his villa on fire which was thought to be worth at least 1.5 million euros. Breno admitted that he had a hard time adapting to life in Germany and that is why he started drinking. Now he is back at his former club Sao Paolo.
06: Diego Maradona (Shooting)
The Argentine legend is regarded as one of the best players of all time. Famous for his dribbling skills, pace, agility, and his keen eye for the goal, Maradona fired air pellets at some photographers and journalists at his home outside Buenos Aires in 1994. As a result, four people were injured. His trial was dragged on for years, and it wasn’t until 1998 that Maradona was given a prison sentence of two years and 10 months.
05: Benjamin Mendy (Rape/Sexual Assault)
Once a marquee buy of Manchester City, Benjamin Mendy has seen his reputation and career go down the drain as the details of his encounters with women surfaced last year. The left-back has been charged with seven counts of rape of four women, along with one count of sexual assault. He was released on bail recently after being in custody for 134 days. He has been suspended by the club.
04: Adam Johnson (Underage Sex)
Former Manchester City and Sunderland midfielder spent five years in jail after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl in March 2016. The Englishman was sacked from Sunderland and stripped of his sponsorship deal with Adidas. He was released in 2021 and is reportedly living a luxurious life since due to his investments.
03: Fabio Cannavaro (Tax Evasion)
The 2006 Ballon d’Or winner is recognised as one of the best defenders of his generation. The Italian ran into trouble in 2015 when he was handed a 10-month prison sentence for tax evasion. The former Juventus and Real Madrid defender owned €1 million in unpaid taxes to the state through his company, Fd Service. Local authorities in Naples also seized €1 million worth of goods, including his €180,000 yacht.
02: Bruno Fernandes de Souza (Murder)
The former Flamengo goalkeeper committed the most horrible crime by kidnapping and murdering his girlfriend Eliza Samudio. He was punished with a 22-year jail sentence for the disgraced act which included dismembering and feeding her to his pet Rottweilers. Eliza demanded him to pay child support which may have triggered him to commit the horrible act.
01: Mason Greenwood (Rape and assault)
Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood has become the latest, and probably the biggest name to come under fire for the rape and assault of his ex-girlfriend. Greenwood was outed when his ex-girlfriend posted stories on her Instagram, showing signs of abuse on her body, along with distressing audio of Greenwood coercing her.
A statement said: “Following a hearing yesterday (Thursday 23 June 2022), a 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of rape, assault and making threats to kill on Sunday 30 January 2022 remains on bail.
“As the outcome of bail reviews does not impact the progression of investigations, Greater Manchester Police will not be providing any further updates in relation to this case until the suspect is charged or released facing no further action.”
Greenwood has disappeared from the public eye and the fallout of his allegations is still being dealt with by Manchester United.