Throughout the years, there has been quite a link between football and casinos… poker games in particular. For some reason, the game of poker seems to attract some of the biggest names in the beautiful game, who spend their spare time (and vast sums of spare cash) trying their luck, skills and strategies against others.
These famous faces test out their skills online, joining online sites, claiming their no-deposit rewards – after all, it’s a free welcome bonus (and even millionaire football players love a freebie!) and making sure they hone their poker skills until they are every bit as sharp as their football skills.
So, with that being said, here are some of those football players who love a game of poker – that you never knew about.
Neymar Jr.
Brazilian football star Neymar loves a game of poker – and even represents the major global poker brand, PokerStars. As their brand representative, he has taken part in huge poker events all over the world, such as the 2018 edition of the Brazilian Series of Poker – where he managed 6th place and won a massive $21,072 (although that’s just spare change to him!)
Whilst recovering from foot surgery in 2018, he spent his time practising and honing his skills… which seemed to work. More recently, in 2022 he took part in the $10,000 WSOP (World Series of Poker), but never made it past day 1. However, he did manage to win just under $4,000 when he finished 49th in the $1,000 Super Turbo Bounty No-Limit.
To date, he has won more than $170,000 in prize money.
Gerard Pique
Next, we have Spanish defender, Gerard Pique, who has a poker face on and off the pitch… and has showcased his skills at various poker tournaments across the globe. He tested his skills at the EPT – European Poker Tour, in 2011, 2013, 2016 and again in 2019 – where he placed 2nd for an impressive €352,950 win.
He has also spoken passionately about the game – describing how it gives him the same feeling in his stomach as football… because just like football, you know how to play but you don’t know what the cards will be, so it’s all about adapting.
To date, he has won more than €600,000 in cash prizes.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Next we come to the Portuguese megastar, Cristiano Ronaldo. He isn’t only one of the best footballers in the world, but he’s pretty handy at the poker table too. He even said that although his world is football, poker has always been his game. He loves the competition, the strategy and the fun.
As such, he has been seen playing Pot Limit Omaha on several occasions against some of his big-name friends such as Daniel Cates. He even took on Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul in a charity event – and won! As we would expect from Ronaldo, he is known to give most of his tournament winnings to charity.
Max Kruse
Another European football player who enjoys a game of poker is German forward Max Kruse of VfL Wolfsburg. Not only is he an avid fan of the game, but he is one of the most active football players in the world of poker.
In fact, in 2022, Kruse played at the WSOP (World Series of Poker) in Vegas – and made it through to the final table in Event #29, but was eliminated first. However, he has enjoyed some big cash winnings – including a $62,156 win in 2021 where he finished 5th in the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em Head Up Championship.
To date, he has won more than $160,00 in cash prizes.
Andriy Shevchenko
Ukrainian footballing legend, Shevchenko, is another lover of the game – and has taken part in a number of online poker tournaments such as the World Series of Poker Online Bracelet Events, where he went head to head against Yuri Dzivielevski… two-time WSOP bracelet winner.
He has also played in a number of charity matches against other big football stars, sports stars and celebs including Neymar, Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal and Daniel Negreanu.
Teddy Sheringham
A bit closer to home we have Teddy Sheringham, Spurs, Man United, West Ham and England footballing legend. As a global football superstar, he has certainly made his presence felt in the world of poker. After retiring from football in 2008. He has played in poker tournaments all across the world and has made some pretty solid winnings.
He finished in 14th place in the 2009 £10,000 WSOPE Main Event, winning over $66,000 and has also placed in the 2012 $10,000 WSOP World Championship and the 2010 European Poker Tour.
All in all, he has made close to $330,000 in winnings.
These are just some of the footballing names known for their love of the game. There are plenty more football players and sports stars who love pitting their wits against others – Ireland’s Tony Cascarino, Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon and more. All of these players have taken their passion for strategising from the football pitch to the poker table – with some pretty impressive results.
