Soccer and poker may seem distant from each other, but they share common ground in the thrill of competition and strategy. Many soccer stars have found their second passion at the poker table, showing their competitive edge and tactical prowess off the field.
The fascination with poker among soccer stars underscores the importance of understanding the rules of the game before playing. Poker is a skill-based game that combines strategy, psychological understanding, and the ability to make calculated decisions. Knowing the rules of poker lays the foundation for a successful game, allowing players to develop strategies, read opponents, and navigate the game effectively. Just as football players study the sport and their opponents to excel, poker players must have a deep understanding of the rules of poker to succeed in this complex and challenging game. For soccer fans and aspiring poker players, these sports enthusiasts show how skills in one area can be transferred and help improve performance in another.
Here, we focus on the top five footballers known for their love of poker, highlighting their achievements and how the card game is conveyed with their sportsmanship.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest soccer players, has an equally passionate relationship with poker. “Moreover, even though soccer is my world, poker has always been my game,” Ronaldo says, expressing his delight at the competitive and strategic aspects of the game. His engagements include playing high-stakes pot-limit Omaha poker with poker stars and celebrities, showing off his talent beyond football. Ronaldo’s philanthropic representation of poker, by donating tournament winnings to charity, reflects his character and commitment to giving back to the community.
Neymar Jr.
Neymar Jr.’s affinity for poker surpasses the game of chance; he is a well-known representative of PokerStars for a long time. With a deep passion for poker, Neymar has participated in several popular poker tournaments and enjoys hosting poker dinners with friends and other celebrities. His experience in the world of poker has seen him compete in various prestigious events, including a notable fifth place in the 2018 Brazilian Series of Poker, where he won $21,072. Despite his absence from his side’s Ligue 1 success in 2018 due to surgery, Neymar was active online, participating in online casino poker games . His recent experiences at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) show his continued commitment to the game, notably winning the $1,000 Turbo Bounty No-Limit Hold’em event in 2022 for $3,959. The skills that make a soccer player great—patience, focus, and the ability to read the game—also make a poker player affordable.
Andriy Shevchenko
Andriy Shevchenko, the Ukrainian soccer legend, has made a name for himself in the world of poker. Known for his strategic thinking and discipline on the football field, Shevchenko brings these same qualities to the poker table. Participating in online tournaments, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Prestigious Online Events, Shevchenko’s poker skills have been shown against strong competition. His standout battle in a doubles match against two-time WSOP bracelet winner Yuri Dzivielevski showcases his competitive nature and strategic thinking, skills developed on the soccer field and adapted to the poker table.
Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué’s poker skills are as strong as his defensive will on the football field. With multiple appearances on the European Poker Tour (EPT) in Barcelona, his poker resume is impressive. His best game win came in 2019 when he took second place with €352,950. Piqué’s love for the game is evident in his interviews, where he draws comparisons between the tensions and adaptability required in both soccer and poker. His ability to transfer these skills from the field to the poker table highlights the cognitive and emotional similarities between the two disciplines.
Teddy Sheringham
Teddy Sheringham, a popular striker who played for prominent football clubs such as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, embarked on a poker journey after retiring from football in 2008. His transition from the pitch to the poker table has been marked by success, with total poker winnings reaching an impressive $329,475. His notable achievements include an outstanding fourth place for $66,738 in the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event and a $28,530 prize for 388th place in the 2012 World Championship of Poker $10,000 dollars. However, Sheringham’s biggest poker achievement came in 2010 during the European Poker Tour (EPT), where he secured fifth place in the €5,000 EPT Main Event, earning $118,346. Sheringham’s presence in major poker tournaments reflects his ability to adapt and excel in a different arena.
