Over the last 10 years, the Premier League has seen its fair share of controversy, passion, and intense criticism. Whether due to inconsistent performances, arrogant behavior, or polarizing personalities, some players have become the focus of fan frustration, media attacks, and social media abuse. Here’s a rundown of 35 of the most insulted or hated Premier League players between 2015 and 2025.
Topping the list are Granit Xhaka and Harry Maguire—both frequently scapegoated by their own fans. Raheem Sterling and Paul Pogba faced relentless scrutiny, often laced with racial undertones. Chelsea’s Nickolas Jackson has recently come under fire for red cards and poor finishing, while Bruno Fernandes divides opinion with his theatrics and blame-shifting.
Strikers like Diego Costa, Romelu Lukaku, and Richarlison earned notoriety for their on-field antics, with the latter two being criticized for lackluster spells at big clubs. Jordan Pickford and Emiliano Martínez have become targets for aggressive goalkeeping and off-pitch arrogance.
Flops like Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mykhailo Mudryk, Nicolas Pépé, and Timo Werner were mocked for underwhelming performances, while talents like Dele Alli and Anthony Martial were labeled as wasted potential. Even legends like Virgil van Dijk and Mesut Özil weren’t spared, criticized for perceived complacency or laziness.
Others on the list include David Luiz, Ashley Young, Eric Dier, André Onana, and Joey Barton, each infamous in their own way—be it for defensive errors, diving, or off-field controversy.
Though not all criticism is justified, this list reflects how passionate and unforgiving Premier League fandom can be. In the age of social media, every mistake is magnified, and every attitude is scrutinized, turning players into heroes or villains overnight.
🔥 Top 35 Most Insulted or Hated Premier League Players (2015–2025)
Granit Xhaka – Arsenal fans turned on him; infamous shirt-throwing and swearing at fans.
Harry Maguire – Mocked relentlessly for price tag and blunders; even booed by England fans.
Raheem Sterling – Victim of racially charged abuse and tabloid targeting, despite strong performances.
Paul Pogba – Criticized for inconsistency, social media posts, and off-field persona.
Nickolas Jackson – Recent Chelsea scapegoat, especially after red cards and missed chances.
Diego Costa – Constantly involved in dirty play; hated by rival fans.
Bruno Fernandes – Accused of diving, whining, and blaming teammates; polarizing figure.
Romelu Lukaku – United and Chelsea fans turned on him; criticized for attitude and interviews.
Jordan Pickford – Criticized for erratic performances; tackle on Van Dijk drew widespread hate.
Jesse Lingard – Seen as unserious by fans due to TikTok use amid poor form.
Raul Jiménez – Received heat at Fulham for seeming unmotivated and slow post-injury.
Richarlison – Known for diving and cocky celebrations; draws ire from many fanbases.
Anthony Martial – Labeled lazy and uninterested; inconsistent performances frustrated fans.
Dele Alli – Fell from grace; fans blame decline on poor discipline and attitude.
Virgil van Dijk – Faced criticism in recent years for defensive lapses and arrogance.
Jack Grealish – Flashy lifestyle and diving accusations spark insults despite talent.
Adama Traoré – Powerful but often wasteful; fans frustrated by his lack of end product.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – Humiliated for refusing to be subbed off; inconsistent in goal.
Mykhailo Mudryk – Seen as a big-money flop so far; criticized for lack of impact.
David Luiz – Prone to errors; mocked widely for clumsiness and poor defending.
Alexis Sánchez – Man United stint viewed as disastrous; fans insulted his work ethic.
Joey Barton – Known for constant controversies and violent conduct.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Arsenal fans turned on him after form drop and attitude issues.
Mesut Özil – Divided opinion; loved by some, hated by many for being “lazy.”
Nicolas Pépé – Flop tag followed him throughout Arsenal spell; mocked for underperforming.
Emiliano Martínez – Known for taunting, mind games, and perceived arrogance.
Ben White – Criticized early in Arsenal career; personality clashes and form caused hate.
Timo Werner – Despite likability, was mocked heavily for missing open goals.
Grégoire Defrel – Often misnamed on lists; did not play in EPL.
Ashley Young – Target of memes and dive accusations during United days.
Eric Dier – Spurs fans grew frustrated with inconsistency and poor form.
Phil Jones – Turned into a meme; mocked for injuries and facial expressions.
André Onana – Faced instant backlash at Man Utd for early errors.
Jorginho – Chelsea and Arsenal fans criticized his lack of mobility and sideways passing.
Steven Gerrard (as Aston Villa manager) – Though a legend, received abuse during managerial struggles.
