Football players spend most of their time in a high-stress, high-focus routine, so when they finally get a break, you’d be surprised at how they choose to spend it. Some pick up quiet, oddly wholesome hobbies. Others chase the same competitive buzz off the pitch. Here are seven football players whose off-field interests might catch you off guard — or make you like them a little more.
1. Petr Čech Plays Ice Hockey
After leaving Chelsea and Arsenal behind, Petr Čech didn’t exactly settle into pundit life. Instead, he signed with Guildford Phoenix — a semi-pro hockey team — and strapped on goalie pads for real. Not as a stunt. He trains, he plays, he wins man of the match.
2. Griezmann Loves Horse Racing
The professional French footballer Antoine Griezmann is currently starring at Atlético Madrid. Few know that he is also a passionate horseman. He invests, follows the form, and genuinely lives the sport. He’s talked about how much he loves the rush, which probably says a lot about his playing style, too.
3. Beckham Became a Beekeeper
Locked down during COVID, David Beckham built beehives at home and started making his own honey. He’s posted clips of himself in full gear tending to his bees like it’s the most normal thing in the world. From global icon to backyard beekeeper — somehow, it tracks.
But lately, things have gotten a bit stickier. In 2024, Beckham was accused by neighbours of using his new hives as a kind of passive-aggressive shield — placing them right by a public footpath near his £12 million mansion. Locals complained it felt like a message to keep people away, and beekeeping groups warned that hives shouldn’t be placed so close to where people walk.
Beckham didn’t respond publicly, but it’s safe to say his quiet countryside hobby caused more of a buzz than expected.
4. Iniesta Runs a Vineyard With His Family
While some players invest in clubs or car collections, Andrés Iniesta chose something a little more grounded: wine. His family has owned vineyards near Albacete for generations, but it wasn’t until Iniesta invested heavily in the project that Bodega Iniesta began producing its own wines.
Iniesta takes an active role, visiting during the summer and holidays, and even launching new ranges like their sparkling wine line. Some bottles carry special meaning, including “116,” named after the minute he scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final.
His connection to the region is deep, and many of the 35 employees at the vineyard and winery are extended family members.
5. Gareth Bale is Obsessed With Golf
We all knew this. Bale built a replica of the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass in his garden. He’s played pro-ams and talks about golf constantly. Once, after Wales beat Hungary 2-0 to ensure qualification for Euro 2020, Gareth Bale was seen with the flag used by Welsh fans to troll Real Madrid – “Wales, Golf, Madrid. In that order.”
6. Haaland Unwinds With Meditation and Tennis
Erling Haaland doesn’t give much away, but he’s opened up about using meditation to stay calm and focused. He’s also a tennis fanatic — watches matches, talks about Nadal and Alcaraz, and keeps a surprisingly chill routine off the pitch.
7. Phil Foden Goes Fishing
If you follow Foden on socials, you’ve probably seen the fishing pics. He picked it up from his dad and never stopped. For someone constantly under the spotlight, a quiet day on the water might be exactly what he needs.
And fans? They’ve Got Their Own Ways of Dealing With Stress
Big game coming up? Some fans pace around the house. Some won’t sit in the “wrong” seat. And others just look for a way to stay calm — whether it’s a walk, a ritual, or something like https://cbdfx.com/collections/cbd-gummies/. Whatever works, right?
The football world moves fast, but these hobbies show that even the biggest names need something that slows them down. Whether it’s bees, golf, or meditation, the off-pitch version of a player is often the most interesting one.
