When they’re not banging in goals or breaking up play, footballers have plenty of free time — and while most stick to the usual routine of golf rounds or long FIFA sessions, a few take a slightly more… unexpected route.
From saving chickens to breaking Hungry Hippo records, here are some of the most surprising hobbies of footballers past and present.
Eberechi Eze – Chess Grandmaster Energy
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The week before he netted the winning goal in the 2025 FA Cup Final, Crystal Palace’s silky playmaker was winning a four-day online chess tournament — and walking away with £15,000 in prize money. Eze’s chess game is defined by tight pawn play, clever forks, and patient sacrifices — eerily similar to how he weaves through midfield. With a solid 1,143 rating and a chess date with Richard Branson under his belt, Eze might be the sharpest mind in football right now.
Axel Tuanzebe – Hungry Hippos World Record Holder
Yes, you read that right. On Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the US in 2018, Tuanzebe made headlines — not for his defending, but for setting the world record in Hungry Hungry Hippos, clearing the board in 17.36 seconds. He did it in front of an official Guinness World Records adjudicator, beating out teammates and becoming an unlikely champion in the most chaotic tabletop game ever made.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Bingo Enthusiast
Back in 2016, Ronaldo revealed that bingo helped him learn English when he first arrived at Manchester United. “Playing bingo can be very exciting,” he said. Maybe not what you’d expect from a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, but hey — whatever helps you adapt.
Hal Robson-Kanu – Blockchain Buff
While others were kicking back with Netflix or FIFA, Robson-Kanu was in an office until 9pm after training, building a business around blockchain technology. He even launched a platform explaining peer-to-peer transactions without middlemen. Forget striker — this guy could teach a fintech course.
Joe Allen – Chicken Whisperer
When he wasn’t bossing midfields for Liverpool and Wales, Joe Allen was busy saving hens with his wife. At one point, he owned chickens named Bruce, Nugget, Kiev, Chickaletta, and Silkie Steve Junior, among many others. He even appeared on the cover of Chicken & Egg magazine. Yes, that’s real. And yes, it’s amazing.
Moritz Volz – Cake Connoisseur
The former Arsenal and Fulham full-back turned baking into an art form. For big games against Arsenal or United? Biscuit cake with bananas and green tea. Facing a more rugged side like Blackburn? Heavy carrot cake with nuts. Tactical baking at its finest.
Xavi – Mushroom Hunter
The Barca legend isn’t just a pass master — he’s a fan of mycology (yep, mushroom foraging). He’s even taken Gerard Piqué and Shakira along for some fungi adventures. Pep Guardiola once said, “Someone who picks mushrooms can’t be a bad bloke.” Can’t argue with that logic.
Matt Oakley – Piranha Collector
While playing for Leicester, Oakley built up a tank of South American red-bellied piranhas. “Feeding time is always interesting,” he once quipped. We believe it.
Andrey Arshavin – Fashion Designer
The ex-Arsenal forward swapped assists for a women’s fashion line in Russia. Originally studying chemical tech, Arshavin moved into design (allegedly due to the number of women on the course). The result? A genuinely successful career in clothing.
Petr Cech – Drummer Extraordinaire
Cech didn’t just save goals — he slayed on the drum kit. His YouTube channel features covers of Foo Fighters, Nirvana, and more. He’s said drumming helped his hand-eye coordination as a keeper. Lars Ulrich, watch your back.
Gabriel Batistuta – Polo Warrior
One of Argentina’s greatest strikers became a polo player post-retirement, even winning the Copa Stella Artois in 2009. He once said, “I went down like I used to throw myself around in the Roma penalty box,” after a fall. Timeless energy.
David Beckham – Fencing Bro With Tom Cruise
Among Beckham’s elite-level hobbies: fencing. But it’s who he fenced with that really grabs attention — Tom Cruise and Will Smith. Apparently, Cruise invited them over for a few sparring sessions at his house. Because of course he did.
Daniel Agger – Sewer King & Tattoo Lord
The ex-Liverpool defender co-owned a tattoo sharing website and a sewer company. Not only was he tatted head to toe, he also gave others ink — including his own famous “YNWA” knuckles. A footballer, entrepreneur, and plumber all in one.
Footballers: they’re just like us — except way cooler, weirder, and in some cases, way more into mushrooms.