Ali Dia – Perhaps the most infamous example, Dia convinced Southampton manager Graeme Souness he was George Weah's cousin (he wasn’t). He played 53 minutes in one Premier League match in 1996 before being subbed off. He never played for the club again.
Massimo Taibi – A goalkeeper signed by Manchester United in 1999, Taibi is remembered for a terrible error against Southampton, letting a weak shot from Matt Le Tissier slip through his legs. He lasted only four matches.
Roque Junior – The Brazilian defender won a World Cup in 2002, but his stint at Leeds United in 2003 was disastrous. The team conceded 25 goals in seven games with him in the lineup.
Jonathan Woodgate (at Real Madrid) – An excellent defender in England, but his Real Madrid debut was a nightmare — he scored an own goal and got sent off. Injuries plagued his time there too.
André Santos – Arsenal fans were left frustrated with the Brazilian left-back’s performances, particularly his lack of defensive awareness and tendency to get caught out of position.