The Premier League has long been a stage for brilliance, a place where legends are made, and reputations are destroyed just as quickly. But some players shine so brightly for a single campaign that their names remain etched in football folklore, even if the magic fades soon after.
They’re the types of players who offered great value for fantasy football players, but for one season only. For the football anoraks amongst you, the names below should be familiar, and you might just do well in this football quiz from Bet442.
1. Michael Ricketts (Bolton Wanderers, 2001-02)
Few strikers have enjoyed a rise as meteoric, or a fall as sudden, as Michael Ricketts. The Bolton forward stunned the league during the 2001–02 season, scoring 15 Premier League goals and earning an England call-up. His combination of power and finishing made him a nightmare for defenders. But after that breakout season, Ricketts’ form evaporated. He never hit double figures in the league again, bouncing between clubs before fading from the top level entirely.
2. Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace, 2004-05)
When Crystal Palace were promoted in 2004, few expected Andy Johnson to be among the Premier League’s most prolific scorers. Yet the diminutive striker bagged 21 goals, finishing behind only Thierry Henry in the Golden Boot race. His tireless pressing and knack for winning penalties made him Palace’s talisman. Despite his heroics, Palace were relegated, and Johnson never quite replicated that electric form again at Everton or Fulham.
3. Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn Rovers, 2007-08)
Elegant, composed, and clinical, Roque Santa Cruz’s first season in England was something special. Signed by Blackburn from Bayern Munich for just £3.5 million, he scored 19 league goals, combining South American flair with ruthless efficiency. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his momentum, and his big-money move to Manchester City produced only glimpses of that magic.
4. Benjani Mwaruwari (Portsmouth, 2007-08)
The smiling Zimbabwean striker had an unforgettable half-season with Portsmouth, scoring 12 goals in 23 games, including a hat-trick against Manchester City, who later signed him. Benjani’s work rate and infectious attitude made him a cult hero, but his goal touch deserted him after that hot streak. Despite a long Premier League career, that one purple patch defined his legacy.
5. Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland, 2010-11)
Arriving from Rennes for a club-record fee, Asamoah Gyan became an instant fan favourite at Sunderland. His pace, strength, and flamboyant celebrations lit up the Stadium of Light as he scored 10 goals in his debut season. But just as quickly as he arrived, he was gone, a lucrative move to Al Ain in the UAE brought an early end to his Premier League adventure.
6. Papiss Cissé (Newcastle United, 2011-12)
Few players have made such an explosive introduction as Papiss Cissé. Joining Newcastle midway through the 2011–12 season, the Senegalese forward scored 13 goals in 14 games, including an outrageous volley against Chelsea that remains one of the league’s greatest goals. His partnership with Demba Ba briefly made Newcastle a force again, but Cissé struggled to maintain that blistering standard in the seasons that followed.
7. Michu (Swansea City, 2012-13)
No one epitomises the “one-season wonder” tag quite like Michu. Signed from Rayo Vallecano for just £2 million, the Spanish attacking midfielder scored 18 league goals and led Swansea to a League Cup triumph. His intelligent movement and calm finishing made him one of the signings of the decade. Unfortunately, injuries and loss of form saw his career spiral quickly, and he was out of top-flight football within two years.
Honourable Mentions
Amr Zaki’s explosive start at Wigan, Marcus Stewart’s brief brilliance at Ipswich, and Mido’s early Middlesbrough magic could all easily make this list. But the seven names above embody the fleeting beauty of football success, moments when everything clicked, if only for a single, glorious season.
Final Thoughts
The Premier League is unforgiving. For every consistent star like Harry Kane or Mohamed Salah, there’s a player whose form flares up like a supernova before vanishing into obscurity. These seven footballers may not have built long-lasting legacies, but their unforgettable seasons remind us why we love the game, for its unpredictability, its drama, and its fleeting moments of brilliance.
