While it may seem surprising to some, smoking is a habit that a number of professional football players have been known to engage in. Here are 10 football players who smoke in real life:
1. Dimitri Payet
Dimitri Payet is a French footballer who is known for his skill on the pitch, but also for his occasional smoking habit off the field.
2. Wayne Rooney
Former Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney has been photographed smoking on several occasions, despite the negative effects smoking can have on an athlete’s performance.
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3. Franck Ribery
French winger Franck Ribery, who has played for Bayern Munich and the French national team, has also been spotted smoking in public.
4. Mario Balotelli
Italian striker Mario Balotelli has a reputation for being a bit of a wild card both on and off the pitch, and has been known to smoke cigarettes.
5. Carlos Tevez
Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez, who has played for several top-tier clubs including Manchester United and Juventus, has been caught smoking in public in the past.
6. Gennaro Gattuso
Italian midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been known to enjoy a cigarette or two off the pitch, despite being known for his aggressive playing style.
7. David James
Former England goalkeeper David James has been photographed smoking on numerous occasions, despite the negative impact smoking can have on an athlete’s lung capacity and overall health.
8. Marko Arnautovic
Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic, who has played for several top-tier European clubs, has been spotted smoking cigarettes in public.
9. Johan Cruyff
Late Dutch footballing legend Johan Cruyff was a smoker for much of his life, despite being one of the most skilled players in history.
10. Laurent Blanc
Former French defender Laurent Blanc, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, was a smoker during his playing days and continued to smoke after retiring from football.
While smoking can have negative effects on an athlete’s performance and overall health, these football players have been known to indulge in the habit off the field. It’s important to note that smoking is not a healthy habit, and quitting can have numerous positive effects on a person’s health and well-being.
