Once a name that struck fear into defenders across Europe, Radamel Falcao’s decline in the Premier League has become a cautionary tale—one now widely discussed even among Live Cricket BPL fans who follow top-level sports beyond cricket. During his prime years, Falcao was nearly unstoppable. He scored 70 goals in 91 appearances for Atlético Madrid and racked up 72 goals in just 87 matches for FC Porto. But his transition to English football told a very different story.
Over the course of two seasons in the Premier League, Falcao managed just five goals—a shocking figure for a forward once considered among the world’s best. Despite this underwhelming tally, the Colombian striker earned a staggering £22 million during his time in England. His first stop was Manchester United, who acquired him on loan from Monaco, paying a £6 million loan fee and handing him a weekly wage of £285,000. At the time, United believed they were securing a top-tier talent. But Falcao delivered only four goals in 29 league appearances. By the numbers, he earned £14.82 million in wages from United—translating to nearly £3.7 million per goal.
After a disappointing spell at Old Trafford, Falcao moved to Chelsea, again on loan. While Arsenal’s Arsène Wenger had reportedly shown interest, Falcao instead opted to join José Mourinho—who shared the same agent. British media even joked that “Arsenal dodged a bullet.” That sentiment proved true. Falcao’s time at Stamford Bridge was just as forgettable. He scored only once in the league across 10 appearances, starting just one match and playing a total of 228 minutes. His stats included 11 shots, 5 on target, 4 off, and 2 blocked. He also created two scoring chances. Even though his weekly wages were reduced to £140,000, Chelsea still paid him over £7 million for the season—meaning his lone goal came at a hefty cost.
All told, Falcao’s Premier League stint yielded five goals and £22 million in income—equivalent to £4.4 million per goal. For Live Cricket BPL followers, the numbers paint a stark picture. In a league known for intense pace and physicality, even a former “tiger” like Falcao couldn’t find his stride. It’s a reminder that past glory doesn’t always guarantee future success, especially on football’s toughest stage. With high expectations and higher salaries, the pressure to perform never sleeps—something that fans tracking stars across platforms like Live Cricket BPL understand all too well.