Even though footballers appear fierce on the pitch, most tend to turn to gaming for competition, relaxation, and entertainment off the pitch. These world-class athletes suffer from a severe gaming addiction. Others go as far as to take part in esports competitions professionally. But what is the amount of time spent gaming throughout the day? And which video games keep them captivated for hours on end? Let’s take a look at the statistics and discover which footballers are the biggest gamers.
1. Neymar Jr. – The Call of Duty Addict!
Neymar Jr. is not only magical with a football, but he’s also a beast with first-person shooters. The Brazilian superstar streams his love for Call of Duty on Twitch, frequently showing off his skills during high-pressure Warzone matches. In 2020, he was clocking in hours alongside famed streamers Ninja and Dr Disrespect, proving his talent in bona fide shootouts. He has racked up over 2,000 hours in Warzone, which puts him on the list of the most dedicated gamer-footballers ever. However, this is not surprising because, nowadays, everyone loves games. And it does not matter whether we are talking about video games or those that you can find in BD online casino. You can get excitement in all of them, although you can win real money in casino games. Here, you already choose to your taste what you like more: slots, where luck plays a role, or tabletop games or games with live dealers, where strategy is important. Try both options today, and in the meantime, we will tell you more about Neymar Jr. and other football players.
The footballer hasn’t restricted himself to Warzone, as Neymar has also been caught playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, regularly forming a duo with professional CS:GO players. His obsession with gaming is so intense that he once traveled around the world for a private game with elite-level esports athletes. His peak as a gaming icon came in 2021 when he was gifted a Call of Duty operator skin in his likeness, as he undoubtedly became a true legend. Neymar will always be competitive, whether it be on the pitch or virtually in a Warzone.
2. Antoine Griezmann – FIFA and Fortnite Champion!
Antoine Griezmann not only rules the football pitch, but he also plays a mean game in FIFA. The French striker pours in hours of practice into EA Sports’ football simulator, even going as far as using goal celebration emotes from the game during real-life matches. Just how serious is he? Well, Griezmann has been reported as being in the top 1% of FIFA Ultimate Team players, so he is no casual.
Griezmann’s appreciation for FIFA is impressive, but that is not the only game that he has a passion for. He is also considered one of the biggest Fortnite players and is the founder of Grizi Esport. His love for Fortnite helped him establish his own esports team in 2020. His skills are so sharp that he shocked the gaming world when he eliminated a pro-Fortnite player during a charity match. A footballer with his own gaming brand? That is insane.
3. Sergio Agüero – The Ultimate FIFA Streamer!
In 2020, Sergio Agüero made headlines not only for his fantastic ability but also for being one of the most famous footballer-streamers on Twitch. Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, he took up playing FIFA, where he used his over-the-top reactions and intense personality to entertain thousands of viewers. At one point, he had over 50,000 viewers in each of his live streams, making him the most-watched streamer alongside other footballers.
Agüero’s streams are legendary, with him playing against his fellow footballer friends, pro gamers, and even his fans. He did confess, however, that at one point, he was spending over six hours a day gaming, fine-tuning his techniques on FIFA. But he does not stop there. Agüero is also an avid Call of Duty and Fall Guys player, proving that his competitive side stretches beyond football. With his charismatic personality and strong gaming skills, Agüero has built himself a fanbase stronger than his legacy as a footballer.
4. Gareth Bale – The Pro-Level Golf Gamer!
It is an absolute truth that Gareth Bale has a lot of passion for football, but what is his second? Golf – including the off-the-course kind. Wales’ talented striker also enjoys golfing in a video game simulation, and his favorite one recently has been PGA Tour 2K23. He is good at playing this game. However, how much does he actually play golf? Well, according to Bale, he spends approximately four hours every single day in virtual golf contests.
Besides football, Bale has also established his own esports team, Ellevens Esports, which runs professional FIFA competitions. This fact additionally testifies to the idea that his obsession with games can be considered a long-term investment. Whether it is about learning perfect golf shots using a simulator or sponsoring top players in FIFA, it is incredible how passionate Bale is about gaming. Perhaps he aims all his free kicks as well. One day, he even went to the length of thinking, “If I were not a footballer, I would have taken up esports instead!”
5. Mesut Özil – The FIFA and Fortnite King!
Mesut Özil understands the world of gaming just as much as he understands the pitch. He has spent insane amounts of time excelling at FIFA, spending hours creating his Ultimate Team. But the game that he loves the most? Fortnite. It is estimated that Özil has over 5,000 hours in Fortnite, making him one of the most devoted gaming athletes worldwide.
Being dedicated to gaming, he founded an esports organization, M10 Esports focused on Fortnite and FIFA. He would sign contracts with top-tier gamers, train other players, and even admit to playing for hours after practice. This led to the rumor that gaming was the reason for his decline in performance, but he denied those claims, stating it actually helps him unwind. In 2021, he made news after signing an underage esports prodigy to his team, proving he means serious business. Winning the World Cup and owning an esports team? Now, that’s true dedication.
Footballers and Video Games: A Perfect Match!
Who knew that some of the greatest footballers in history also happen to be hardcore gamers? From Neymar’s Call of Duty marathons to Özil’s esports empire, their passion for gaming runs deep. While some engage in gaming for leisure, others take it as a challenge, and a few turn it into a full-fledged profession. Agüero’s streaming empire, Bale’s esports team, and Neymar’s in-game skins – they are all redefining what it means to be an athlete in the modern world. Who knows, maybe the next footballing icon will also be an esports champion. Everything is possible these days.