He was tipped to be the next Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester but retired at just 31

Anderson Luís de Abreu Oliveira burst onto the scene as a prodigious talent, winning the Golden Boy award in 2008 and lifting the Champions League with Manchester United. However, his career took a downward spiral, with many attributing his decline to an unhealthy lifestyle.

A Bright Start

Born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 1988, Anderson quickly established himself as one of the hottest young talents in South American football. After impressive spells with Gremio and Porto, he joined Manchester United in 2007, where he won numerous trophies and formed part of a formidable midfield alongside Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.

The Burger Problem

Despite his obvious talent, Anderson's career never quite reached the heights that many expected. Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has been particularly vocal about the Brazilian's lifestyle, suggesting that his love of fast food was a major factor in his decline.

"Anderson could have been the best player in the world, I swear. Everyone could say that," Foster said in an interview. "He just didn't care. He didn't care about anything, honestly. He didn't care about anything."

A Career in Decline

After a promising start at Old Trafford, Anderson's form began to wane. He struggled with injuries and his weight, and his performances became increasingly inconsistent. Loans to Fiorentina and Internacional followed, before he eventually retired from football in 2019 at the age of 31.

A Cautionary Tale

Anderson's story is a cautionary tale about the importance of professionalism in football. While natural talent is essential, it is not enough to succeed at the highest level. Players must also be dedicated to their training, nutrition, and recovery.

Anderson's career highlights the dangers of complacency and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Despite his undeniable talent, he failed to reach his full potential due to his own lack of discipline.