Football’s Secret Smokers: The Stars Who Lit Up Cigarettes When No One Was Watching

Smoking is widely recognized as an unhealthy habit, particularly for professional athletes who are expected to maintain peak physical fitness. Despite the obvious health risks, several top footballers and managers throughout the sport’s history have been known to indulge in a cigarette or two. This article takes a closer look at some of the most famous footballers—both past and present—who have been caught smoking, often to the surprise of fans.

Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, but his legendary status on the pitch came with a surprising off-field habit. The Dutch master was known to smoke up to 20 cigarettes a day during his playing career. Cruyff’s smoking was so extensive that he once admitted to lighting up in the dressing room during halftime. However, his addiction caught up with him in 1991 when he underwent heart bypass surgery. This life-altering experience led him to quit smoking, and he later became an advocate for healthy living, famously appearing in anti-smoking campaigns. Cruyff’s story serves as a stark reminder of the toll that smoking can take, even on the fittest individuals.

Sócrates

The Brazilian football icon Sócrates, known for his elegance on the ball and his deep intellect off it, was another footballer who was never far from a cigarette. Sócrates reportedly smoked two packs a day during his career and continued the habit well into his retirement. The midfield maestro, who captained Brazil during the 1982 World Cup, was famous for his laid-back demeanor, both on and off the pitch. Despite his heavy smoking, Sócrates’ footballing ability never seemed to wane, though his health did suffer later in life. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 57, with his lifestyle choices—including smoking—being cited as contributing factors.

Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton, a key figure in England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, was another footballer who enjoyed a cigarette. It might surprise many fans today, but smoking was relatively common among footballers in the 1960s. Charlton, along with his brother Jack and teammate Jimmy Greaves, was often seen smoking during breaks in training and even at halftime during matches. A famous photograph from the 1966 World Cup final shows Bobby Charlton enjoying a cigarette at halftime, highlighting just how ingrained the habit was in the sport at the time. Despite this, Charlton went on to have a stellar career, becoming one of England’s most celebrated footballers.

MODERN DAY PUFFERS

Gianluigi Buffon

Even in the modern era, where fitness regimes are stricter than ever, some players continue to smoke. Gianluigi Buffon, the legendary Italian goalkeeper, is one such example. Buffon, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, has been spotted with a cigarette on multiple occasions. The Italian shot-stopper was often seen smoking after big victories, using it as a way to unwind. Despite the occasional puff, Buffon’s career has spanned over two decades at the top level, a testament to his natural athleticism and dedication to the game.

Marco Verratti

Marco Verratti, the PSG and Italy midfielder, is another modern-day footballer who has been seen smoking off the pitch. Verratti, known for his incredible vision and passing ability, has been photographed with a cigarette in hand several times. A viral video from 2022 even showed a fan advising him to hide his cigarette next time, highlighting the growing awareness and stigma around smoking among athletes. While Verratti’s smoking habit hasn’t hindered his performances on the pitch, it’s a habit that could have long-term implications for his health.

Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli, the enigmatic Italian striker, is known as much for his off-field antics as his on-field prowess. Balotelli has been caught smoking on numerous occasions, often sparking controversy. In 2019, he was even seen smoking just before making his debut for Brescia, an incident that made headlines across Italy. Balotelli’s career has been marked by moments of brilliance and equally baffling behavior, with his smoking habit being just one of many incidents that have kept him in the spotlight.

Wojciech Szczęsny

Wojciech Szczęsny, the former Arsenal and current Juventus goalkeeper, made headlines in 2015 when he was fined £20,000 for smoking in the showers after a defeat. The Polish international was caught lighting up after a particularly frustrating match, a decision that did not sit well with then-manager Arsène Wenger. Szczęsny’s fine and subsequent media scrutiny highlighted the changing attitudes towards smoking in modern football, where such behavior is no longer tolerated.

MANAGERS WHO SMOKED

Arsène Wenger

Arsène Wenger, the legendary Arsenal manager, admitted that he used to smoke during his younger days. However, by the time he became a manager, Wenger had quit the habit and was known for his strict stance on smoking.

He famously fined Wojciech Szczęsny after the goalkeeper was caught smoking in the showers, reinforcing his anti-smoking position. Wenger’s transition from a smoker to an advocate for healthy living reflects the broader changes in football, where smoking has become increasingly frowned upon.

Maurizio Sarri

Maurizio Sarri, the current Lazio manager, is one of the most notorious smokers in football management. Sarri’s chain-smoking is so well-known that during his time at Napoli and Chelsea, special arrangements were often made to accommodate his habit, including designated smoking areas in stadiums. His love for cigarettes is almost as famous as his tactical acumen, with many fans and players alike associating Sarri with his ever-present cigarette. Despite the health risks, Sarri has shown no signs of quitting, and his smoking has become part of his public persona.

Joachim Löw

Joachim Löw, the former Germany national team coach, was also known to enjoy a cigarette. Löw was criticized during Euro 2008 after being filmed smoking in the stands while serving a touchline ban. While Löw’s habit did not overshadow his successful tenure as Germany’s coach, it did draw attention to the fact that even top-level managers are not immune to the temptations of smoking.

The Appeal of Smoking for Footballers

While it’s easy to condemn smoking as a harmful habit, it’s important to consider why some footballers might have turned to cigarettes despite their demanding careers. The life of a professional footballer, while glamorous, can also be filled with stress, pressure, and long hours of downtime between games and training sessions. Smoking, for some players, provided a way to relax and unwind during these periods of inactivity.

Stress Relief and Calming Effects

Footballers, particularly those playing at the highest levels, are under immense pressure to perform. The constant scrutiny from media, fans, and managers can be overwhelming. For some players, smoking offered a temporary escape from this pressure. The calming effects of nicotine might have helped them manage stress and maintain their composure, particularly in the days leading up to important matches.

Coping with Downtime

The life of a footballer is not always filled with action. Between matches and training sessions, there can be long periods of waiting, whether during travel, in hotels, or even in dressing rooms. These moments of inactivity can be challenging for athletes who are used to a high level of physical and mental engagement. For some, smoking became a way to cope with the boredom and monotony of these periods, offering a brief respite and a way to pass the time.

Social Aspects

Smoking also had a social component, particularly in earlier decades. For many footballers, smoking was a way to bond with teammates, share a moment of relaxation, or even engage in conversations away from the public eye. In this context, smoking was less about the habit itself and more about the camaraderie it fostered among players.

The Changing Attitudes Towards Smoking in Football

While smoking was once common among footballers and managers, the practice has significantly declined in recent years. This shift can be attributed to a better understanding of the health risks associated with smoking, as well as stricter regulations in professional sports. Today, smoking is generally frowned upon in football, with clubs and national teams promoting healthier lifestyles for their players.

However, as the examples above show, smoking has not completely disappeared from the game. Whether it’s a legendary figure like Johan Cruyff or a modern star like Marco Verratti, the occasional puff remains a part of football’s history and, to a lesser extent, its present. With greater awareness of the risks, it is hoped that future generations of footballers will kick the habit for good, ensuring they can enjoy long and healthy careers both on and off the pitch.