One of the World Cup’s biggest villains.

Luis Suárez had a rollercoaster of a career from 2010 to 2014.

A 23-year-old Suárez began to make his mark on the tournament in 2010, playing a key role in dark-horse Uruguay’s run to the semifinals.

Uruguay topped their group, which included hosts South Africa, Mexico and reigning finalists France. Suárez had a goal and two assists.

In the round of 16, Suárez truly announced himself on the international stage.

In a tricky, rainy match against South Korea, Suárez put on a heroic performance, scoring both goals including an 80th-minute winner to send Uruguay to their first quarterfinals since 1970.

And then in the quarterfinals against Ghana, a World Cup moment which will forever live in infamy. 

That handball!!

In injury time of extra time, with Uruguay keeper Muslera beaten, Suárez prevented a goal with his knee. But when the second shot came, Suarez used both hands to ensure Uruguay wouldn’t concede. 

Penalty to Ghana. Red card to Suárez.

Ghana missed the 122nd-minute penalty, and Uruguay advanced to the semis on penalties.

Uruguay finished in fourth place, while Ghana were deprived of becoming the first African nation to reach the semis.

Suárez became both a hero and a villain,

🗣️ "Any player would have done the same. Not just me. ... My first reaction was to use my hand. Some people have accused me of a lack of sportsmanship, but I think it's worse if a player suffers an injury when he's stopped by a bad tackle when he's about to score"

In Ghana, they didn’t see it quite the same. Defender Hans Sarpei echoed his nation’s sentiment:

“He knows what he has done. We were crying and you see someone who has cheated us is celebrating. How can I forgive him? Never. Never ever."

Suárez returned to Ajax following the World Cup, and in November of 2010 his career would take another turn.

In a match against PSV, he bit Otman Bakkal on the shoulder. Ajax fined him and he was given a seven-match ban.

Despite his suspension, several clubs were interested in signing him from Ajax. 

On January 31, 2011, Suárez signed a deal with Liverpool that would change his career.

Later that year, Suárez would help lead Uruguay to their record 15th Copa America title. 

He ended the tournament with four goals and two assists and was named the MVP.

However, Suarez was once again in trouble after he returned to Liverpool for the 2011-12 season. 

In a match against Manchester United, Patrice Evra accused Suárez of racial abuse. An investigation by the FA found him guilty. He was fined £40,000 and served an eight-match ban.

In the following season, Suárez finished as the Premier League’s second-top scorer (23) and was second behind Gareth Bale for the PFA Player’s Player of the Year.

But that season would also not end without more trouble…

In a match against Chelsea in April 2013, Suárez bit Branislav Ivanović. His second biting incident.

He was hit with yet another fine and a 10-match ban.

That summer, Suárez was set on leaving—Arsenal infamously made a £40M+£1 bid to sign him because of an apparent release clause.

After much back-and-forth, Suárez decided to stay with the Reds for one more season.

After finishing the rest of his ban, Suárez returned to the Liverpool lineup and produced one of the best Premier League seasons in history.

Luis Suárez in 2013-14: 

▪️ 31 goals, 19 assists in all comps

▪️ PFA Player of the Year

▪️ Premier League Golden Boot

▪️ European Golden Shoe

▪️ Led Liverpool to second place finish and Champions League qualification 

Going into the 2014 World Cup, Suárez had already made a name for himself as a player to watch.

He missed Uruguay’s loss to Costa Rica due to injury but returned for their second game, where he scored both goals to eliminate England.

And then in their final group-stage match against Italy, another Suárez moment that went down in the history books 😐

In the 79th minute and tied 0-0, Suárez bit Giorgio Chiellini.

Suárez was not sent off, and Uruguay would go on to win the match and eliminate Italy. 

However a FIFA disciplinary committee banned him for nine international matches, the most-ever, along with a four-month ban from any football-related activity.

Courtesy of BR Football