Football stars hold a celebrated position in society, with players lauded as heroes and held up as role models. But while such professionals may be expected to lead by example, data suggests many also struggle behind the scenes, with addictions to sleeping pills, gambling, alcohol and nicotine among the most common vices.
Premier League stars are among 530 footballers being treated for addictions to drugs, alcohol and gambling and other mental health issues, the latest figures from the PFA for 2023-24 have revealed. Last season, 80 professional players sought therapy for problems with illicit substances such as cocaine and nitrous oxide, as well as sleeping pills and alcohol, while 42 players got help for gambling addictions. With many players seeking help privately, the figures could just be the tip of the iceberg.
Meanwhile, officials are also increasingly worried about the widespread use of nicotine pouches (snus) with almost 20% of professional footballers admitting to using them according to a recent study of by Loughborough University and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA). Of 628 male players from Premier League and EFL clubs, and 51 Women’s Super League players, 18% of male players and 22% of female players currently use snus or nicotine pouches.
Snus (pronounced “snoose”) is a smokeless, moist powder tobacco pouch from Sweden that users place under their top lip. Nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream via the gum. Used as an alternative to smoking and for its discreet and convenient nature, snus is not without risk and can increase cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
The Daily Mail recently reported that an “addiction epidemic” has seen some players frequently using black market zopiclone sleeping tablets during their recovery from training. Dele Alli, a prominent English footballer, spoke out about his sleeping pill addiction and mental health struggles in June 2023, shedding light on a broader problem that exists within professional football. Brentford Premier League star Christian Norgaard recently revealed his fears about becoming addicted to sleeping tablets to help him prepare and rest before matches.
Former West Ham full back Ryan Cresswell warned that many footballers are ‘taking too many sleeping tablets and painkillers’ and addiction is becoming a ‘big issue’, affecting stars at the very top level. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland similarly revealed his addiction battle, warning that many players are hooked on painkillers, while numerous players, from Paul Gascoigne and George Best to Tony Adams and Wayne Rooney, have spoken of their problems with alcohol dependency during their careers.
A potent combination of leisure time, plenty of disposable income and a strong desire to win at all costs can create an ideal environment for addictive behaviours to flourish.
Gambling has a particularly long and complex association with football, and over the years numerous players have spoken about their problems with gambling addictions. Striker Ivan Toney and Newcastle United’s Italian international Sandro Tonali have both recently served lengthy bans for breaches of FA betting rules. Meanwhile, footballers in this country are walking billboards for online casinos and betting companies and for those who develop a problem, the temptation is everywhere.
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David Little is a Partner at Bishop & Sewell in our expert Sports Law and Corporate & Commercial teams. If you would like to contact him, please call on either 07968 027343 or 020 7631 4141 or email: company@bishopandsewell.co.uk.
The above is accurate as at 18 March 2025. The information above may be subject to change.
The content of this note should not be considered legal advice and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
