It’s not uncommon for players to have a wide range of hobbies outside of the beautiful game. A few major footballing nations are equally well-known in the world of cricket, and many footballers are keen cricket fans.
Whether they’re cheering for their favorite teams during key tournaments or joking about with colleagues who support other cricketing nations, these players show a true love for the gentleman’s game.
This shared passion not only creates friendship within the football community, but it also emphasizes sports’ worldwide appeal.
Without further ado, here are five notable footballers who also enjoy cricket.
5. David Luiz
Brazil does have a cricket squad, but the sport is not well-known in the country, which has long been preoccupied with football. As a result, a Brazilian who enjoys cricket appears unusual.
But it is correct. Former Chelsea and Brazil defender David Luiz showed his love for cricket when he wished great Indian batsman Virat Kohli the best of luck ahead of the 2019 FIFA World Cup.
Luiz extended his best wishes to Kohli and the Indian cricket squad in a video shared on Twitter (now X) by UK-based businessman Frank Khalid. He stated:
“Hello Virat Kohli. Good luck for the World Cup bro. God bless you and your team a lot, I’m going to be supporting you. See you soon.”
Virat Kohli, the famous cricketer, has openly revealed his affinity for Chelsea football club, which could explain the bond between him and the other player.
4. Paul Scholes
Former Manchester United and England footballer Paul Scholes has an unexpected interest in cricket. He has frequently been seen at cricket matches, demonstrating his true enthusiasm for the game.
Scholes is also an excellent cricketer. He apparently used to play cricket pretty substantially in his youth and represented his local club Middleton before devoting his complete attention to his professional football career.
Sir Alex Ferguson is said to have forbidden Scholes from playing cricket.
3. Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker, well known for his incredible football career and later as a sports presenter, has a great passion for cricket. Despite creating a name for himself on the football field, Lineker has frequently voiced his love for the gentleman’s game.
Lineker’s enthusiasm for cricket, whether offering thoughts on important cricketing events or participating in casual banter with fellow sports celebrities, demonstrates the range of his athletic interests.
Lineker’s understanding of the complexities of both football and cricket shows his stature as a real sports fan.
2. Thomas Muller
Thomas Muller, a renowned German footballer, is considered as one of the greatest in his country’s history. Similar to David Luiz, another prominent football player, Muller expressed his affection for the game by wishing the Indian cricket team luck in their semi-final match against New Zealand during the 2019 Cricket World Cup. This demonstrated his genuine enthusiasm for sports beyond his own discipline.
Muller was seen wearing the Indian cricket team’s shirt in a video he shared on X, stating,
“Thank you Team India for the shirt and good luck at the World Cup.”
Thomas Muller
He goes ahead and puts on the garment, saying,
“Oh, it’s a pleasure. I will try to play cricket in my garden.”
Thomas Muller
1. David Beckham
David Beckham, a globally recognized figure, is known for his connection to cricket. Despite his legendary career in football with Manchester United and England, Beckham has been seen attending different cricket events, demonstrating his genuine love for the sport.
David Beckham is in India right now. He came to watch the semi-final match between India and New Zealand. On Tuesday, October 14, he uploaded some pictures on his Instagram account. The photos showed him playing cricket with children in Gujarat.
He had visited the Indian state as part of his UNICEF job.