Elite Footballers Who Faced Relegation Despite Success

The article outlines the experiences of 15 elite footballers who suffered relegation during their careers, despite their status as top players. Michael Owen joined Newcastle United from Real Madrid in 2005 but saw the club relegated in 2009.

He later won the Premier League with Manchester United. Rio Ferdinand's only season with Queens Park Rangers in 2014 ended in relegation after a successful career at Manchester United.

Gabriel Batistuta scored 16 goals for Fiorentina in 1992-93 but could not prevent their relegation, later helping them gain promotion. Roy Keane faced relegation with Nottingham Forest before transferring to Manchester United, where he became a decorated captain.

Zlatan Ibrahimović experienced relegation with Malmö FF early in his career before joining Ajax. Other players mentioned include Erik Lamela, Oliver Bierhoff, Nwankwo Kanu, Finidi George, and Victor Anichebe, each facing relegation with their respective clubs and continuing their careers thereafter.