In football history, there have been numerous instances where coaches have made the controversial decision to suspend or drop key players due to disciplinary reasons, off-field behavior, or team dynamics. These decisions often spark debates about authority, leadership, and the balance between a player’s skill and their conduct. Here are some notable examples:

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi, often regarded as one of the best players in the world, was involved in a dispute with Argentina’s coach Diego Maradona. Messi reportedly had a strained relationship with the coach due to Maradona’s management style and tactical decisions. Though Messi was not officially suspended, there was tension between them, leading to a fallout that was highly discussed in the media

In a high-profile incident during the 2022-2023 season at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended by manager Erik ten Hag after the player refused to come on as a substitute during a match against Tottenham Hotspur. Ronaldo walked out of the stadium before the game ended, and Ten Hag decided to discipline him by excluding him from the squad for the following match. Ronaldo’s behavior was deemed disrespectful by the coach, and his time at United ended soon after, leading to his eventual departure.

Zlatan Ibrahimović, known for his outspoken nature, was suspended by PSG coach Laurent Blanc in 2015 after a series of controversial statements. Ibrahimović publicly criticized the referee and the league, calling it a “disaster” for the team. Although his talent was undeniable, Blanc chose to suspend him in an attempt to avoid further controversy and send a message about respect for the league and officials.

### 4. **Neymar – Barcelona (2017)**

**Coach:** Ernesto Valverde

**Reason for Suspension:** Training Ground Incident

In the 2017-18 season, Neymar faced disciplinary action after an altercation with a teammate during a training session. The Brazilian forward had a tense moment with one of the players, which led to his suspension for a match. Despite Neymar’s stellar abilities, Valverde had to address the situation to maintain discipline in the squad.

Paulo Dybala – Juventus (2019)

Coach Massimiliano Allegri

Reason for Suspension:Poor Attitude, Lack of Team Spirit

Paulo Dybala, one of Juventus’s most talented attackers, was benched and later suspended in 2019 for what the coach perceived as a poor attitude in training. Allegri, who was known for his tactical discipline, took action after Dybala’s perceived lack of team spirit and focus. The incident created tension, as Dybala had previously been one of the most important players for the club.

In 2021, Kylian Mbappé was reportedly suspended by PSG after refusing to train with the first team due to ongoing uncertainty about his future at the club. The French superstar had expressed his desire to move to Real Madrid, but PSG rejected all bids. Mbappé’s refusal to participate in some team activities was seen as a protest over his unsettled transfer situation, leading to disciplinary action from PSG and coach Mauricio Pochettino.

One of the most infamous incidents in football history occurred in 2011 when Carlos Tévez refused to come on as a substitute during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich. Tévez argued that he wasn’t mentally prepared to play, which led to a breakdown in his relationship with manager Roberto Mancini. Tévez was subsequently suspended by Manchester City for his behavior and placed on a transfer list. The player’s conduct left a lasting mark on his reputation in English football.

### 8. **Mario Balotelli – Manchester City (2012)**

**Coach:** Roberto Mancini

**Reason for Suspension:** On-field Disciplinary Issues

Mario Balotelli, known for his fiery temperament, was suspended multiple times during his career, particularly under Roberto Mancini at Manchester City. Balotelli was involved in numerous on-field altercations, including reckless challenges and fights with teammates. Mancini eventually suspended Balotelli after a particularly notorious incident where he clashed with Teammate Yaya Touré. Despite his immense talent, Balotelli struggled to control his behavior, leading to suspensions and disciplinary measures.

Gerard Piqué – Barcelona (2022)

Coach Xavi Hernandez

Reason for Suspension:Off-field Distractions

Gerard Piqué, one of Barcelona’s most iconic defenders, was temporarily benched by coach Xavi Hernandez in the 2022-2023 season, due to off-field distractions, including his public breakup with Shakira and the media attention surrounding it. Piqué’s form on the pitch also declined, and his absence from the starting XI was seen as an attempt by Xavi to focus on younger players and avoid further distractions.

### 10. **Wayne Rooney – England (2016)**

**Coach:** Sam Allardyce

**Reason for Suspension:** Partying, Late-Night Behavior

During the Euro 2016 tournament, Wayne Rooney, the England captain, was involved in a controversial incident where he was spotted partying late into the night while on international duty. Despite the incident not leading to a formal suspension, coach Sam Allardyce was forced to issue a public warning to Rooney regarding his behavior and the importance of maintaining professionalism. The media scrutiny and disciplinary concerns overshadowed some of the team’s performances.

### Conclusion

Suspending or benching key players is always a delicate decision for football coaches. While talent and performance on the pitch are crucial, maintaining discipline, focus, and a harmonious team environment are just as important. These high-profile suspensions show that no player, regardless of their ability or reputation, is immune to disciplinary action when they cross the line. In many cases, coaches must balance the interests of the team with the necessity of ensuring that no one player’s behavior disrupts the squad.