Gone are the days when footballers would enjoy a post-match drink and converse with fans after a match, instead being replaced by an increased security presence and many of today’s top stars rushing off home at full-time.
Rashford talks about playing with Zlatan & Alex Hunter in FIFA 17 with @SpencerOwen(Video) https://t.co/r1UJexxN13 pic.twitter.com/LHHbvnAsDs
— 102 Great Goals (@102greatgoals) September 28, 2016
Although this somewhat depressing development has impacted the supporter experience on the whole, with many fans struggling to identify with the millionaire footballers contracted to their clubs, ultimately, the players aren’t always responsible for the lack of contact that is made with the average supporter. Sometimes, managers advise against it, club hierarchies cut off all contact with fans during tough periods, and the aforementioned dangers around security have resulted in an increased security presence that makes getting closer to your favourite stars a real challenge.
Thankfully, while this modern-day scenario has left many fans feeling disillusioned with the beautiful game, many players of today are still relatively normal. They share video-based content on sites like YouTube, even players like Jack Grealish replicate fan habits and gobble down Chinese feasts as a post-match reward, and former players like Jermain Defoe and his relationship with Bradley Lowery moved global audiences and made fans realise that high-earning Premier League stars are just like us in many ways. This is illustrated further by the fact that some of the world’s top players play games just like we do, too. Some players even stream their gaming marathons to fans through Twitch, others play poker and explore online sites before potentially accessing a helpful slots guide and a selection of themed slot games, while other players have openly admitted their love of catching Pokémon in a local park after training. Overall, there are certainly some big stars who play games.
Of course, the fact that footballers game just like we do doesn’t suddenly suggest that the bridge has been gapped, but it does go some way towards it. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the football stars who enjoy gaming in their spare time.
Ryan Babel has streamed gaming content
Alongside releasing a rap album and appearing on the occasional podcast, Ryan Babel has been known to stream gaming-related content to mass audiences in the past. In 2010, Babel spent most of his free time streaming his gaming sessions to thousands of adoring fans, eventually going on to build a vibrant community of supporters.
Marcus Rashford is a PS5 gamer
When Marcus Rashford isn’t playing an integral role in transforming Manchester United’s fortunes, he enjoys settling down for a marathon gaming session. Also participating in FIFA competitions against his footballer friends, Rashford is meant to be adept at many popular gaming products, although EA Sports’ sought-after title is his undoubted favourite.
Antoine Griezmann is an Xbox diehard
Antoine Griezmann with the Fortnite “Take the L” celebration after scoring????#RingerFC #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/BM6rfRwAYU
— The Ringer (@ringer) July 15, 2018
Although his career has stagnated somewhat, Antoine Griezmann appears to be maintaining his high levels in the gaming world. An advocate of all things Xbox, the Atlético Madrid and France attacker became famous with gaming audiences, in particular, after showcasing his take the ‘L’ celebration that was prominently featured on Fortnite. It isn’t known which other gaming products the Frenchman explores, but his love of Fortnite is evident.
Other players who game includes David James (Tomb Raider and Tekken), Jesse Lingard (FIFA), and Neymar (FIFA).
