Ballon d'Or ahead of Gerrard, then a Portsmouth nightmare

He once finished above Steven Gerrard and Cafu in the Ballon d'Or – then called Portsmouth 'a hideous city'.

Player

Emmanuel Olisadebe

Claim

Finished ahead of Gerrard & Cafu in Ballon d'Or

Club

Portsmouth

Quote

Biggest mistake in my career

What happened. Polish forward Emmanuel Olisadebe, who once finished ahead of Steven Gerrard and Cafu in the Ballon d'Or, has spoken about his difficult time at Portsmouth, calling it the biggest mistake of his career.

He described Portsmouth as a 'hideous city' with no nightlife.
His move to Portsmouth was a major disappointment after his Ballon d'Or finish.
He expressed despair during his time at the club.

“I was in despair when I was in Portsmouth. A hideous city. With only one shopping centre, no nightlife. The biggest mistake in my career”
— Emmanuel Olisadebe

Olisadebe's comments highlight the stark contrast between his earlier success and his Premier League struggles.

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Portsmouth