Taking a punt is common practice among most people. But this can attract attention when you’re one of the most famous footballers. So, who are some of these players who cannot resist the temptation of placing a bet, be it a horse race, a football match, or a slot machine spin? This article has a list of the top five football players who share the same enthusiasm for gambling. It’s an interesting one!
The story of Zlatan Ibrahimović and betting/gambling is an interesting one. The former Sweden international has financial interests at Bethard, a Malta-based sports betting site, where he has been the co-owner since 2018. FIFA said this was illegal, and he was fined €50,000. His then football club, AC Milan, was also fined €25,000.
In 2008, Wayne Rooney, a former Manchester United striker, lost an astonishing £65,000 in two hours of playing video poker. He flew back to Manchester while his wife was away before betting maximum stakes in blackjack, continuously losing. Rooney took the losses in stride before moving on to roulette, where he lost again. By the time the establishment closed, he had lost his entire salary. This incident has earned Rooney a spot on this list.
Tony Adams, a former Arsenal defender, was known for his hard tackles on strikers on the pitch. But that’s the opposite of his betting skills. The former England international was an alcoholic who was even jailed for drunk driving. Although Arsene Wenger helped him break his alcohol dependence, Tony Adams was an avid bettor. He lost a lot at sports betting, poker, and roulette tables. Interestingly, he is now a reformed man, running a clinic for problem gamblers and alcoholics.
The former Italy and Juventus goalkeeper has suffered many stereotypes and match-fixing scandals threatening to derail his illustrious career. Before the 2006 World Cup finals and in 2012, the goalkeeper was part of a group investigated for placing illegal bets worth $1.5 million. FIFA dropped the charges.
The Brazil and PSG football player can easily win you a bet on his day. But Neymar also has other skills besides playing football. He can dance, sing, play musical instruments, and place poker bets, especially with friends at online casinos.
Did this article miss a name that you know? Gerard Pique, David Bentley, Joey Barton, and Roy Carroll are other notable names in the betting industry. But remember that the story often doesn’t end well, with most suffering from career-shaking losses. So, bet with a strategy and responsibly.
