Every Premier League Club's Most Disliked Player

The Premier League is the most-watched league in the world, packed with thrilling talent. Many players become beloved heroes, leading their teams to victory with style.

However, there are also those who embrace the role of the pantomime villain, earning the ire of rival fans due to their polarizing personalities. Players like Leicester City's Jamie Vardy and Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez have a knack for stirring up trouble and irritating supporters.

In this piece, we’ve compiled a list of the most disliked players in the Premier League, as chosen by fans. These 20 players often elicit eye rolls when their names appear on a manager's teamsheet. Their transfer choices, club rivalries, and histories of success all contribute significantly to the disdain they garner from supporters.

Kai Havertz

Arsenal

Most Premier League fans raised their eyebrows when Arsenal splashed £65 million on Kai Havertz. The German forward had a tough time at Chelsea, where he was often labeled a flop, despite scoring the crucial winner in the 2021 Champions League final.

However, Havertz quickly won over critics at the Emirates with standout performances that left Blues fans puzzled. While his confidence can sometimes come off as arrogance, he isn’t shy about expressing his opinions.

The 25-year-old faced backlash from Stamford Bridge supporters for stating that winning European glory with Arsenal would "mean more" than their 2021 success. He backed up his words with a brace in a commanding 5-0 victory on Chelsea's home ground last season.

Emiliano Martinez

Aston Villa

When it comes to wind-up merchants in the goalkeeping world, Emiliano Martinez takes the crown. The 32-year-old has a notorious track record of controversial incidents that have riled up rival fans and opponents alike.

A prime example of his antics occurred during and after the 2022 FIFA World Cup final against France, where the Argentine hero celebrated winning the Golden Glove by brandishing the award in a lewd manner.

Martinez's mischief extends to his Premier League performances, where he has often stirred up trouble. Last season, he found himself in a scuffle with former Brentford striker Neal Maupay, with both players behaving more like petulant schoolchildren than seasoned professionals, dramatically collapsing to the ground over the slightest contact.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Bournemouth

The Cherries' squad is generally well-liked, but their new loanee goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, comes with a history of controversial moments that have frustrated fans. While he hasn't yet stirred up any trouble at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth supporters could be in for an unpredictable experience.

Kepa's professionalism was called into question during his time at Chelsea, particularly during his infamous standoff with Maurizio Sarri in the 2019 League Cup final, where he refused to be substituted in a loss to Manchester City.

Upon joining Stamford Bridge from Athletic Bilbao in August 2018, Kepa became the world's most expensive goalkeeper with a £67.2 million transfer fee. However, he has struggled to live up to that hefty price tag, which has been a constant source of criticism for the 30-year-old throughout his Premier League career.

Vitaly Janelt

Brentford

Brentford's ascent to the Premier League is a fairytale that many fans admire, and Thomas Frank has assembled a squad that rarely rubs opponents the wrong way. Ivan Toney, with his betting controversies and bold demeanor, was somewhat of a villain at the Gtech but has since moved on to Saudi Arabia.

One player that rival fans often dread seeing on the Bees' teamsheet is Vitaly Janelt. The German midfielder's versatility and tireless work ethic make him a persistent nuisance on the pitch for his opponents.

Janelt notably proved to be a thorn in Chelsea's side when he scored a brace in a memorable 4-1 away victory that left the Stamford Bridge faithful reeling. This performance came during a tough stretch for the Blues in 2022, further deepening the misery for frustrated fans.

James Milner

Brighton

There's no denying that James Milner is one of the Premier League's hardest-working and most passionate midfielders. However, his transfer decisions have drawn the ire of rival fans as he sought new challenges.

City supporters criticized his reasons for leaving Manchester City for Liverpool in 2015, as Milner claimed he sought a more significant role with the Reds despite being a regular starter for the Cityzens.

The veteran midfielder has faced boos on multiple occasions when playing against his former club. At 38 years old, Milner's history includes stints at City, Liverpool, and Leeds United—three clubs that are all considered arch-rivals of Manchester United, which only adds to his status as a villain in the eyes of United fans.

Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea

Chelsea's ongoing recruitment has brought in numerous combative personalities over the years. While Manchester United fans harbor disdain for Jadon Sancho and Marc Cucurella's post-Euro 2024 celebrations at England's expense, Nicolas Jackson is not far behind.

The Colombian forward has developed a somewhat controversial reputation due to his frequent clashes with other players since arriving in the Premier League. While his talent is undeniable, his temperament tends to attract criticism from fans.

Currently, Jackson has fallen out of favor with Nottingham Forest supporters after appearing to slap Morato during a recent match. Additionally, he doesn't shy away from voicing his opinions, having launched a remarkable social media tirade against Chelsea club legend John Obi Mikel.

Rob Holding

Crystal Palace

Rob Holding has been sidelined from the Eagles' first team following a reported disagreement with manager Oliver Glasner.

Despite this, the 29-year-old remains a role model for younger players, showcasing his passion for the game during his time with the Gunners. Holding has consistently stood his ground against some of the Premier League's most formidable forwards.

Throughout his career, the former Bolton Wanderers defender has had memorable clashes, including one with ex-Chelsea striker Diego Costa. He also famously described Fulham's Adama Traore as "built like a brick s***house," highlighting his straightforward and often fiery approach on the pitch.

Jordan Pickford

Everton

Jordan Pickford is a classic example of a player who enjoys the love of his national team fans but becomes a pantomime villain in club football. The Everton goalkeeper is known for his larger-than-life personality, and his antics often lead to chaos on the pitch.

Liverpool fans have multiple reasons to dislike Pickford. Primarily, the 30-year-old plays for the blue side of Merseyside and relishes exchanging banter with away fans at Goodison Park.

However, the Kop End will never forget his reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk in October 2020, which resulted in the Reds' captain suffering an ACL injury that sidelined him for months.

A true mackem at heart, Pickford began his career at Sunderland, making him public enemy number one when visiting St James' Park. He's been embroiled in two of English football's fiercest rivalries and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Bernd Leno

Fulham

Self-belief is a crucial attribute for any footballer, and Bernd Leno possesses it in spades. The Fulham goalkeeper exudes confidence and believes that Arsenal's decision to sell him was unwarranted.

Leno was the Gunners' first-choice keeper until Mikel Arteta brought in Aaron Ramsdale in 2021, which resulted in the German losing his place. The veteran shot-stopper contends that his departure was due to "club politics" rather than his performances.

At Craven Cottage, the 32-year-old has made a strong impression, but he has also drawn the ire of rival fans on occasion. Notably, he faced criticism for pushing a young Bournemouth ball boy during Fulham's visit to the Vitality Stadium in December 2023.

Kalvin Phillips

Ipswich Town

If Doc Brown were to drive his DeLorean time machine into the world of Premier League football, Kalvin Phillips would likely be the first to jump into the passenger seat. Once heralded as one of England's most promising midfield talents and dubbed 'the Yorkshire Pirlo', the former Leeds United player has experienced a significant decline since his move to Manchester City in 2022.

Phillips' decision to leave his boyhood club did not sit well with the passionate Leeds fanbase. The 28-year-old struggled to make an impact at the Etihad, and his subsequent loan spell at West Ham United ended in chaos.

His frustrations were evident when he gave a disgruntled Hammers fan the middle finger after being criticized for a lackluster performance. Now on loan at Ipswich, he is working to regain his form, but his popularity in English football has taken a hit. However, Gareth Southgate may still hold him in high regard.

Jamie Vardy

Leicester

Neutral fans fell in love with Leicester City when they achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Premier League in the 2015/16 season—one of the greatest miracles in sports history. Jamie Vardy played a pivotal role in that triumph, and fans across the country famously sang, "Jamie Vardy's having a party."

However, the cheers have faded over time as the striker has had his fair share of clashes with away fans. The veteran Foxes frontman enjoys provoking supporters with his goal celebrations, whether it's impersonating an eagle at Selhurst Park, pointing to the Premier League badge after scoring against Tottenham, or performing the classic finger-to-lips gesture while taunting away fans. These antics have sometimes led to conflicts with rival players on the pitch.

Regardless of the mixed reactions, Vardy continues to make his mark, boasting 138 Premier League goals and counting—proving he's still the one with the last laugh.

Andy Robertson

Liverpool

Jürgen Klopp's revival of Liverpool's glory days relied on a squad filled with hungry and determined warriors ready to fight for the club. Andy Robertson embodies the gritty spirit of a true Scotsman, but he’s also known as a notorious wind-up merchant.

Rival fans often find Robertson unbearable due to his tendency to complain to officials and provoke opposing players. Manchester United legend Roy Keane was particularly incensed with Robertson after a 2-2 draw against Arsenal last season. The Sky Sports pundit humorously labeled the 30-year-old a "big baby" after he claimed a linesman had elbowed him in the throat. With his antics, Robertson certainly makes it easy for rival fans to harbor disdain for him.

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Rodri

Man City

Premier League fans have grown weary of Manchester City's dominance, with Rodri often seen as the linchpin of their success during this historic era. Many consider him one of the greatest midfielders in the league's history.

However, Rodri’s fiery temperament has occasionally landed him in hot water, earning him the disdain of rival fans. Known for being outspoken, the Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament stirred controversy after City won last season’s title by taking a swipe at Arsenal, claiming the Gunners lacked the mental toughness needed to become champions.

Bruno Fernandes

Man United

Manchester United have a long-standing reputation for producing divisive figures that rival fans love to hate, and Bruno Fernandes swiftly joined that list after arriving in England nearly five years ago.

The Portuguese playmaker often frustrates opponents and supporters alike with his perceived theatrics, frequently accused of exaggerating injuries or overreacting to fouls. Fernandes is also notorious for his constant complaints to referees, yet ironically finds himself booked for reckless challenges.

When Erik ten Hag appointed Fernandes as United's captain, some fans mocked the decision, arguing that he lacked the leadership and mentality expected of a club skipper.

His fiery demeanor hasn’t just rubbed rivals the wrong way; former Premier League star Gabby Agbonlahor even singled out Fernandes as a player he would have hated to have as a teammate.

Anthony Gordon

Newcastle

Imagine praising the home stadium of your former club’s fiercest rivals—that’s exactly what Anthony Gordon did when he called Anfield’s atmosphere "top level." Unsurprisingly, this didn’t sit well with Everton supporters, who had seen the winger rise through the ranks at Goodison Park.

Gordon’s departure during a difficult period for the Toffees in January 2023 left fans feeling betrayed, and his remarks only fueled their resentment. Now, every time the 23-year-old faces his boyhood club, Evertonians take the opportunity to vent their frustration.

Earlier this month, during a 0-0 draw against Newcastle, the Park End Stand erupted in celebration when Gordon missed a penalty, treating his failure as though it were a last-minute winner.

Morgan Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest

Players who leave their clubs and find success elsewhere often face the wrath of their former supporters, and that's certainly been the case for Morgan Gibbs-White at Nottingham Forest. Now flourishing as the midfield engine for the Tricky Trees, Gibbs-White’s confident and sometimes cocky demeanor hasn't made him many friends among rival fans.

Wolves supporters, in particular, have been vocal about their displeasure. Last season in the Carabao Cup, after scoring in a penalty shootout, the England international taunted the visiting Wolves crowd by putting his fingers to his ears, amplifying the animosity.

Manchester United fans also felt the sting of Gibbs-White’s talents when he put in a man-of-the-match performance and scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over the Red Devils last season.

Aaron Ramsdale

Southampton

Goalkeepers are often at the center of fan frustration, and Aaron Ramsdale is no stranger to ruffling feathers. During his time at Arsenal, Ramsdale's fearless personality and fiery passion frequently led to controversial moments on the pitch.

A notable example was in the North London Derby, where, after Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Tottenham, Ramsdale’s celebrations provoked a Spurs fan into kicking him. Manager Mikel Arteta swiftly intervened to defuse the situation.

Ramsdale’s passionate displays sometimes come off as over-the-top to rival fans, but his exuberance has always endeared him to his own supporters. Since joining Southampton, this dynamic has continued, with the 26-year-old winning over Saints fans despite occasionally getting under the skin of opposing crowds.

Richarlison

Tottenham

If you're a player with a big ego, you need to back it up on the pitch, but Richarlison has struggled to do that consistently during his time in the Premier League. The Tottenham Hotspur forward has been at the center of plenty of controversy and criticism, often for his antics as much as his performances.

Richarlison’s inconsistent displays and fiery temperament have done little to win over fans, and he's gained a reputation for his heated feuds with both players and pundits alike. The Brazilian has clashed with the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Virgil van Dijk, and Jamie Carragher, further fueling his polarizing image.

Accusations of diving, play-acting, and unsportsmanlike behavior are frequently leveled at the 27-year-old, nicknamed "the Pigeon," but that doesn’t stop him from stirring up trouble on the pitch, much to the frustration of rivals.

Lucas Paqueta

West Ham

When a player gets caught up in match-fixing, they quickly become a target of hate and ridicule from rival fans, and West Ham's Lucas Paquetá has found himself in that very position. The 27-year-old is currently under investigation for breaching FA betting rules, and the scandal has tainted his reputation.

Paquetá was on the verge of a big-money move to Manchester City before the news of his involvement in the betting controversy emerged. Despite being a talented and creative playmaker, the allegations of trying to exploit the system for personal gain have made him a villain in the eyes of many supporters.

With the real possibility of a lengthy ban looming, Paquetá’s future in football hangs in the balance, and even West Ham fans are beginning to feel the weight of the uncertainty surrounding his situation.

Mario Lemina

Wolves

Wolves have endured a tough season so far, and Mario Lemina is shouldering the responsibility of guiding his team through this rough patch.

The 31-year-old midfielder has a reputation for losing his cool, particularly when his team is on the back foot, making him an easy target for rival fans. Known for his physical presence in midfield, Lemina's aggressive style of play often borders on reckless, as shown by the two red cards and 12 yellows he's picked up since rejoining the Premier League in January 2023.

While he's capable of delivering a brilliant goal on occasion, Lemina can just as easily leave an opponent limping off the pitch or steal the game with a decisive strike. Either way, he's far from a fan favorite among opposing supporters.

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