2009 - Alexandre Pato (AC Milan)
The Brazilian Pato took the Serie A by storm during his initial years at AC Milan and was considered by many as the most promising forward in the world. He was an absolute star in Milan;s lineup and has scored 57 goals in 117 appearances. Sadly, his career did not pan out as planned and he was shipped back to Brazil in 2013. After spells with Corinthians and Sao Paulo, Pato made a return to Europe when Chelsea signed him as a cover for Diego Costa last season.
He failed to sparkle but managed to land a transfer to La Liga side Villarreal. On the international front, Pato was part of the Brazil squad which won the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup but it is safe to say he has not fulfilled the promise he showed during his early years at Milan.
2010 – Mario Balotelli (Manchester City)
Mario Balotelli is another player who has flattered to deceive and has seen his career go down the spiral after winning the award. Balotelli won it during his time at City, where he moved to from Inter Milan. He failed to hold down a first-team spot and had training ground bust-ups in addition to controversial moments which saw him shipped off to Milan in 2013. But after just 1 season there, Liverpool acquired his services. But it turned out to be a bad time for Super Mario who found the net just 4 times.
After most clubs decided against taking a risk on Balotelli, French club OGC Nice signed him this season. Balotelli’s best moment in an Italy shirt came in the Euro 2012 semifinal where he bagged a brace against Germany but has since been dropped from the team.
