Hatem Ben Arfa’s former agent Frederic Guerra has slammed the former Premier League star for wasting his potential. He even claimed that the 35-year-old could’ve been a Ballon d’Or winner had he worked hard.

Ben Arfa is widely hailed as one of the most talented footballers of his generation. Yet, despite being blessed with enviable technical qualities, he has not managed to win the most desirable individual honors. The Frenchman’s former agent Guerra has pegged his underachievement down to his lackluster work ethic.
Speaking to French publication RMC Sport (via Sport Bible), Guerra said:
“It's a psychological thing from his childhood. He was king, king, king. He was always told what he deserves but never told to work. I was convinced that I had a player that, if we worked on his mind, would win the Ballon d'Or. He was so talented. It's a huge waste – maybe the biggest waste in football of the 21st century.
“There are plenty of players that were told early on that they would be pearls and still made it. Cristiano Ronaldo became a huge worker early on, Karim Benzema took exactly the same route. It takes work, talent is not enough. But his mentor, Michel Ouazine (advisor and representative) told him that talent was enough.”
Ben Arfa, who is currently plying his trade at Lille, has represented the likes of Lyon, Marseille, Newcastle United, and Paris Saint-Germain in his career. He has thus far played 427 games in club football, scoring 75 goals and providing 64 assists.
Hatem Ben Arfa scored a sensational FA Cup goal for Premier League club Newcastle United
Ben Arfa first tasted Premier League football in the summer of 2010, with him joining Newcastle United on a half-season loan from Marseille. In January 2011, Newcastle made his transfer permanent, signing him for a €6 million fee.
His footwork and intelligence impressed plenty, but it was his solo goal against Blackburn Rovers in the 2011-12 FA Cup third round that made him a cult hero. Receiving the ball just inside the opposition half, Ben Arfa went on a solo run, beating seven players on his way to scoring arguably the best-ever FA Cup goal. His wonder strike allowed the Premier League outfit to secure a 2-1 win over Blackburn.
Over four seasons at Newcastle, Ben Arfa dazzled his way to 13 goals and 12 assists in 76 Premier League appearances. He also played eight Premier League games for Hull City, but failed to register a goal or an assist for the Tigers.
cemabpruyz
1
A former agent rips into a former client? Seems like a dumb idea. Why would I sign with an agent who’ll throw me under the bus? No thanks
Sewkostuy
1
He can easily dribble 3,4 players had great shooting and passing amazing left foot I thought he will go to real or Barca and will won more then 5 ,6,7 ballon dior
subblnsuz
1
This is encouraging words for similars
Suigetsu
1
Honestly speaking this guy is talented!!! At his age he still dazzles with his left foot
mbudzeni
1
That solo goal he once scored in the EPL
Hoccikno
0
won 5 ligue tittles
Dulab
1
I believe this guy, Ben arfa was a joy to watch much better than almost all of the current players. He just didn’t have correct mindset but I still wonder how did they let so much talent goes to waste. PLEASE WHO NEVER KNEW BEN ARFA GO TO YOUTUBE AND SEARCH FOR HIS VIDEOS I AM VERY SURE YOU WILL ENJOY AND BE WOWED🤩
Kevin22
0
Talent wise, Hatem is arguably on of the best of his generation, at Claire Fontaine with the likes of Nasri and Benzema, he was the undisputed best, this guy could slalom his his from one end of the pitch to the other without being touched, but his character is far worse than that of Balotelli and boy did he hate workouts, reason why he never reached the heights expected of him, give him a Messi character and a Ronaldo workrate and I tell you the guy would've won at least two to three Ballon d'ors and I'm not exaggerating cause he was extremely good
tony_sbu
1
Ben Arfa was a skill machine, but his ego was the death of his football...
Kihacdkruy
0
I swear the Agent is right, Ben used to be one of my favorite Player back then
Pabloescobar20
0
Ben arfa after seeing the interview:Who cares
hewlmorsty
0
Ben arfa tani komowe