Famous footballers lead busy lives filled with training and matches. However, like everyone else, they need time to relax and recharge. In their free time, many athletes engage in various activities. Some focus on hobbies that bring them joy, while others invest in their personal development. This blog post will explore how top footballers spend their leisure time. We will highlight their interests and passions, offering insight into their lives off the pitch.
Xavi – Mushroom Collector
Xavi Hernandez, the Spanish football legend, is known for his impressive career with FC Barcelona. However, when he’s not on the field, Xavi enjoys collecting mushrooms. In an interview, he mentioned that he picked up this hobby while visiting family in Asturias, Spain.
Xavi mentioned his love for nature and spending time outdoors, explaining that mushroom picking combines both passions. He finds it an exciting challenge to discover different types of edible mushrooms.
Xavi’s hobby has even led him to collaborate with renowned chefs in creating unique mushroom-based dishes. He also uses his passion to educate people about the importance of sustainable harvesting.
Nicklas Bendtner – Casino & Gambling
While gambling may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner has been known to spend his free time at the casino. He has been spotted playing everything from blackjack to poker.
However, Bendtner has faced criticism for his hobby in the past, with some questioning its influence on his performance. He famously lost £400.000 in just 90 minutes playing Roulette in 2011, only to go and deposit more money in order to win £380.000 back. He has since thinned out his casino visits, but still enjoys the occasional gamble.
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Sergio Agüero – Car Collector
Manchester City striker Sergio Agüero has a love for fast cars. He owns a fleet of luxury vehicles, including Lamborghinis and Ferraris. In an interview, he revealed that his passion for cars began as a child.
Agüero reminisced about his childhood, saying that he would play with toy cars all the time. As he got older and began earning money, he was finally able to purchase real cars.
Agüero’s car collection is impressive and well-documented on social media. He often shares photos of himself with his beloved cars, showing off his passion for speed and style.
Lionel Messi – Philanthropist
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is known for his exceptional football skills, but he also has a passion for giving back to society. He founded the Leo Messi Foundation, which aims to provide opportunities and support to children in need.
Messi actively participates in various charitable initiatives, including UNICEF campaigns and donations to children’s hospitals. He even donated his Golden Boot award winnings of €500.000 to charity.
In addition to his philanthropic work, Messi enjoys spending time with his family and playing video games in his free time. He has also been spotted playing basketball during breaks from training.
Theo Walcott – Book Author
Arsenal and England national team player Theo Walcott is not only a talented footballer but also an accomplished author. He has published multiple children’s books, including the popular “T.J. and the Hat-Trick” series.
Walcott credits his love for reading as the inspiration behind his writing career. In interviews, he mentions that he enjoys creating stories that motivate children to follow their dreams. He also uses his platform to promote literacy and encourage children to read.
Off the pitch, Walcott is a devoted family man who enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He also has a passion for music and plays the guitar in his free time.
Mohammed Salah – Chess
Egyptian forward Mohammed Salah may be known for his lightning-fast speed on the pitch, but he also enjoys slower-paced activities in his free time. He is an avid chess player and has been seen playing with teammates during breaks from training.
Salah reportedly developed a love for chess while growing up in Egypt, where it’s a popular pastime. He finds the strategic thinking and concentration required in the game to be relaxing and enjoyable.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Salah admitted to being addicted to chess, saying his dream was to play a match with world champion Magnus Carlsen.
In addition to playing chess, Salah is also a family man who loves spending time with his wife and daughter. He also uses his platform as a famous athlete to support various charitable causes in Egypt and around the world.
Conclusion
So, as you can see, famous footballers have diverse hobbies and passions that keep them occupied when they’re not playing. From collecting mushrooms to playing casino games, each athlete has unique ways of unwinding and pursuing their interests. This just goes to show that being a successful footballer involves more than just excelling on the field. It also requires maintaining a well-rounded and fulfilling life off the pitch.