English football has long been a hotbed for controversial figures—players who were either adored for their talents or infamous for their off-field antics. From fiery temperaments to scandalous actions, these footballers attracted media attention for the wrong reasons, making them unforgettable figures in English football history. Here are the 10 most controversial English players, ranked.

10. Stan Collymore

Stan Collymore was known for his outspoken and unpredictable character, which often overshadowed his footballing abilities. His time at Liverpool, particularly as part of the “Spice Boys,” was marked by a series of incidents that put him in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. In one notorious episode, Collymore and his Leicester teammates were sent home from the La Manga Club in Spain after setting off a fire extinguisher, leading to a hefty fine from manager Martin O’Neill. Collymore’s problems didn’t end on the pitch, as his current punditry career remains controversial due to his provocative social media presence, especially on Twitter.

9. Sol Campbell

Sol Campbell’s controversial career was defined by his controversial switch from Tottenham Hotspur to their arch-rivals, Arsenal, in 2001. Having previously promised Spurs that he would never play for Arsenal, his decision to let his contract run down and join the Gunners made him a figure of intense hatred among Tottenham fans. He became the “Judas” of North London, with some fans continuing to express their anger even long after his time at Arsenal. His move was so controversial that in 2009, Tottenham supporters were banned for three years after making offensive chants about Campbell.

8. David Beckham

Arguably one of the most famous English footballers of all time, David Beckham’s career was full of controversy, largely due to his high-profile personal life. His infamous red card against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup set the tone for the intense media scrutiny that followed him throughout his career. Beckham’s falling out with Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson, leading to his 2003 move to Real Madrid, was another point of contention. Throughout his career, Beckham faced criticism not only for his football but also for his celebrity status, with his every move being followed by the press.

7. Robbie Fowler

Known for his natural finishing abilities, Robbie Fowler became embroiled in several controversies during his career. One of the most infamous incidents occurred in 1999 when, after scoring against Everton, Fowler pretended to snort cocaine in a provocative goal celebration, a stunt that led to a £32,000 fine and a four-match ban. His subsequent actions included a homophobic taunt aimed at Graeme Le Saux and the controversial gesture of displaying a shirt in support of dockers during a strike. Fowler’s on-field celebrations, often crossing the line, cemented his reputation as a controversial figure in English football.

6. Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand was another player who attracted controversy, particularly during his move from Leeds United to Manchester United in 2002. Leeds fans were enraged that Ferdinand, a homegrown talent, chose to join their bitter rivals. Off the field, Ferdinand became embroiled in a high-profile incident in 2003 when he missed a drugs test, claiming he had forgotten to attend while out shopping. He was subsequently banned for eight months and fined £50,000, adding another chapter to his polarizing career.

5. Ashley Cole

Regarded as one of England’s greatest left-backs, Ashley Cole’s career was marred by multiple controversies. His move from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006 caused a media storm due to the nature of the transfer negotiations, which led to Cole being fined £100,000 for participating in an unauthorised meeting regarding the move. His autobiography fueled further controversy, as he criticized Arsenal for making him a scapegoat. Off the field, Cole’s relationships, including his high-profile marriage to Cheryl Cole, were frequently under the media microscope, particularly after allegations of his infidelity.

4. John Terry

John Terry’s career, while full of accolades, was equally plagued by controversy. As England’s captain and a stalwart at Chelsea, Terry often found himself embroiled in off-field scandals. His public feud with former England teammate Wayne Bridge, following allegations of infidelity involving Bridge’s ex-girlfriend, led to Terry being stripped of the England captaincy in 2010. However, the most significant scandal occurred in 2011 when he was accused of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand during a match. Although he was acquitted in court, the incident led to another ban and a hefty fine from the FA.

3. Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney, one of England’s greatest footballers, had a career full of controversy. Known for his fiery temper, Rooney’s bad behavior often made headlines. His red cards were frequently the result of foul language, and he had several public spats with club teammates, including a memorable row with Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2006 World Cup. Rooney also found himself at odds with fans after he criticized England supporters for booing the team during the 2010 World Cup. His career at Manchester United was also marked by several tense moments with Sir Alex Ferguson, especially when it seemed like he might leave Old Trafford due to contract disputes.

2. Paul Gascoigne

Paul Gascoigne is considered by many to be England’s greatest natural talent, but his career was also plagued by controversy. Gascoigne’s post-career struggles with addiction and mental health issues are well-documented, and he had numerous run-ins with the police. Known for his pranks and mischievous behavior, Gascoigne once famously defecated in a teammate’s sock during his time at Rangers, and his prankster mentality often kept him in the spotlight. However, his troubles weren’t just playful; his drinking problems were a major factor in his downfall, and he faced death threats after a provocative gesture in the 1998 Old Firm derby.

1. Joey Barton

Joey Barton is perhaps the most controversial English player in history, known for his volatile temperament and numerous scandals. Barton’s career began with a notorious incident in 2004 when he stubbed a cigarette in a youth player’s eye during a Christmas party. His career was full of such incidents, including a training ground altercation with Ousmane Dabo that left Dabo with severe injuries. In 2012, while playing for QPR, Barton became infamous for his role in a chaotic match against Manchester City, where he kicked Sergio Agüero and clashed with Vincent Kompany. After retiring, Barton remained a polarizing figure due to his outspoken social media presence, continuing to clash with pundits and celebrities. His career is a perfect example of talent undermined by a bad boy image, making him the most controversial English footballer to date.

Conclusion

These 10 players represent a mix of incredible footballing talent and scandalous off-field behavior. While they each made significant contributions to English football, their controversial actions—both on and off the pitch—will forever be a part of their legacies. Whether through explosive personalities, confrontations with teammates, or public scandals, these players continue to captivate the public’s attention, often for reasons that have little to do with their footballing prowess.