Do you want to know for sure if footballers drink alcohol? You’ve landed on the right page! Here, we provide a list of reasons why footballers shouldn’t drink alcohol even when not in the field or as liberally as possible, at the very least. So jump right in to learn what we found!
Can You Drink Alcohol as a Football Player?
This research study by the National Library of Medicine lists several reasons why some prominent football players are shamed whenever they’re caught drinking alcohol or when they act inebriated and drunk, even during their off days. Overall, this can potentially skew the public’s perception and judgment of football players and the game itself.
What we prepared below was the product of thorough research and by asking the honest opinions of football players, coaches, trainers, and fans. They gave a whole variety of valid reasons, but we decided to narrow it down to the most important ones. Read on to find out if footballers do drink a strong beverage once in a while.
Do Football Players Drink Before or After a Match?
Normally, some professional footballers drink alcohol after winning or losing a significant match, such as a game to end playoffs, the last game to end a championship set, or a season-ending match. Simply put, most of them who drink alcohol after a game often do this when the next game is more than a few weeks or so in the future. And no, pro football players, or any career athlete for that matter, usually don’t drink alcohol less than a week before a game.
How Often Do Football Players Drink Alcohol?
Some pro footballers enjoy a few alcoholic drinks like beer and liberal shots of whiskey once or twice each week. They normally do this a week or so before scheduled training sessions or a game. However, more football players just drink alcohol once a month. And more of them avoid alcohol entirely — Here are 5 major reasons why:
5 Reasons Why Most Footballers Avoid Drinking Alcohol
1. To improve sporting performance
It has been proven time and time again that alcohol can affect your daily activities. This means that footballers who live an active lifestyle will be able to perform better during a game compared to footballers who drink regularly. When out in the field, their performance is regularly monitored by coaches and spectators alike, so it’s the footballer’s responsibility to ensure that their bodies are in top shape.
2. Religious purposes
It’s important to remember that footballers come from varied backgrounds, and that includes having different religious beliefs. In Islam, drinking alcohol is forbidden, so Muslim football players aren’t allowed to get drunk or consume any alcoholic products. Mohammad Salah, Karim Benzema, and Zinedine Zidane are a few examples of football players who abstain from alcohol because they’re practicing Muslims.
3. Scrutiny
As briefly mentioned earlier, footballers are carefully watched by coaches, fans, and other sporting professionals, especially if the player in question is a celebrity. In sports, there are instances where their playing strategies and even training are observed by hundreds of people, and this includes observing their weight, BMI, speed, body fat, etc. This means that if a footballer habitually drinks alcohol, there will be changes to their physical appearance, and everyone will be able to see that.
4. To follow club rules
Football clubs often have many strict rules that footballers must be able to follow. This includes prohibiting alcohol consumption, even while off the field. Footballers who are caught breaking these rules often face the consequences, and this will all depend on how strict the club membership is. Minor offenses usually result in paying a rather hefty fine, but harsher ones often result in the footballer not getting selected to play for a big game.
5. Discipline
Just like any other athlete, footballers require plenty of discipline. They work hard on honing their craft and becoming fit enough to play highly-energized games, so why should they waste all that by consuming alcohol? To become one of the greatest players on the field, they need to be at their best, not just physically but mentally as well. This is the reason why a lot of them have a healthy relationship with alcohol.
FAQs About Footballers and Alcohol Consumption
What is the Best Alcohol for Footballers?
The most common types of alcohol that athletes consume are light beer, champagne, and wine. These three drinks are sometimes brought out after a winning game, or during a team’s victory parades around the city. Aside from that, they are also easy on the stomach, and drinking them in moderation won’t affect the footballers’ physical shape and performance on the field too much.
What Do Footballers Usually Drink Before or After a Game?
Water is the best beverage for footballers to drink after a hectic day of training or a game. It helps them avoid muscle cramps, protects organs and joints, keeps them hydrated, and regulates body temperature. Another great option is a fruit or vegetable-based smoothie or a sports drink filled with electrolytes.
Why Do Footballers Drink Alcohol?
Two of the biggest reasons why footballers get tempted to consume alcohol are to socialize with other people and to relax. The average professional football player earns thousands of dollars after a game, and this can make them gain new friends who will invite them for a night out. Playing a football game can also tire someone out, even professional players, so to relax, sometimes they have a glass of beer or wine.
Meanwhile, there have also been instances in which drinking alcohol can improve a footballer’s performance. Professional sports games put plenty of pressure on its athletes, and alcohol is a good way to help them calm down. However, the negative effects of alcohol still outnumber the positive effects that it has on them.
How Much Fluid Should Footballers Drink Every Day?
According to football coaches, the average player must be able to drink at least 400 to 500 ml of cool water or sports drinks at least two and a half hours before the game begins. This is then followed by another 400 to 500 ml of fluid 20 minutes before the game starts. A footballer can lose around 133 to 207 ml of water after 20 minutes of playing, so they need to consume high volumes of it.
Conclusion
Alcohol is never suited for any footballer and athlete in general, no matter if they’re just starting out, or are professionals. It affects their recovery after a game, while they’re playing a game, and can cause long-term issues for their body. Another reason to skip alcohol is that it prolongs the body’s ability to acquire back the energy lost after an exhausting game. If you intend on becoming a professional athlete, then keep away from alcohol as much as possible.
But if you are an athlete who enjoys drinking once in a while, then a great way to put off alcohol in your body is to work out the next day, according to this report, which was published by the New York Times. Also, try to decline several party invitations from friends, as there will most likely be plenty of tempting alcoholic drinks passed around in these events. Keep in mind that you are the only person who can hold yourself accountable for your actions.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
