Football Stars Who Shine at the Poker Table: The Top 10
When Footballers Swap the Pitch for the Poker Felt
Many professional footballers amass considerable earnings during their athletic careers. However, once they leave the stadium behind, some players discover new passions and income streams. A growing number of retired football stars have found success and fulfillment at the poker table, where strategic thinking, nerves of steel, and a competitive mindset pay off. Here’s a look at ten former footballers who have made impressive transitions into the world of professional poker.
Tomas Brolin: From World Cup Fame to Poker Competitor
Aged just 24, Tomas Brolin was celebrated for leading Sweden to a World Cup semi-final and competing at top European clubs like Parma. Unfortunately, injuries forced him into an early retirement, and he became known for significant weight gain during his post-football years. Since 2006, Brolin has been a regular on the professional poker scene, participating in prestigious tournaments such as the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2007 and the European Poker Tour. While he hasn’t clinched any major titles, Brolin has managed to generate a solid income from his new pursuit.
Gerard Piqué: Champion Defender and Poker Performer
Few Barcelona legends are as decorated as Gerard Piqué, boasting World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and La Liga victories. Off the pitch, the Spanish center-back channels his competitive instincts into poker. Notably, Piqué took home $56,000 at the European Poker Tour event in Barcelona and once mounted a strong run in the 2013 WSOP Main Event. As an advocate of responsible gaming, Piqué demonstrates how gambling can be a hobby rather than a vice.
Ronaldo Nazário: Brazilian Great with Poker Talent
Best known as one of football’s all-time strikers, Ronaldo starred with clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. His famous finishing prowess served him well when transitioning to poker. At a PokerStars event in the Bahamas, Ronaldo won an impressive $42,180—a notable sum, though modest compared to his football contracts. Still, his foray into poker highlights his versatility and desire to compete at the highest level, regardless of the arena.
Jan Vang Sørensen: Poker Success After Football Injury
A respected player at Denmark’s Odense BK, Jan Vang Sørensen’s football career ended prematurely at 30 due to a knee injury. He seized the opportunity to channel his competitive drive into poker. Sørensen has won two World Series of Poker bracelets—in the 2002 Pot Limit Omaha and 2005 Seven Card Stud events. With more than $2 million in winnings and multiple major tournament finishes, Sørensen stands as one of the most successful ex-athlete poker players in the world.
Teddy Sheringham: Premier League Icon Turned Poker Pro
With 288 professional goals and multiple titles, Teddy Sheringham is recognized as one of the English Premier League’s top strikers. After retiring in 2008, Sheringham channeled his tactical thinking and competitive edge into poker. His most notable result was a fifth-place finish at the EPT Vilamoura Main Event, where he earned €93,121. Overall, Sheringham has accumulated nearly €300,000 in live tournament winnings, making him one of the UK’s top sports-turned-poker figures.
Jan Mølby: Liverpool Legend with a Poker Side
Danish midfielder Jan Mølby played an integral role for Liverpool during their 1980s dominance. Although Mølby’s poker earnings are more modest—a reported $10,000—he remains an active participant in poker events. He’s become well-known in the UK media, often appearing on podcasts and football shows, and continues to enjoy the strategic challenge poker provides.
Tony Cascarino: Republic of Ireland Star and Poker Winner
With 629 club matches and 88 international appearances, Tony Cascarino made a mark both in football and in poker. After hanging up his boots, the former Celtic and Chelsea striker won $293,000 on the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour, with lifetime poker earnings exceeding $589,000. Cascarino is a regular figure at UK poker events, proving his competitiveness endures beyond football.
Poli Rincón: Leading the Pack at Football and Poker Tables
A former Real Madrid and Spain striker, Poli Rincón played in the 1986 World Cup and scored 10 goals in just 22 international matches. After his football career, Rincón transitioned into poker, where he has accomplished multiple money finishes at both the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure and the Estrellas Poker Tour.
Vikash Dhorasoo: French International’s Transition Into Poker and Film
Known for his time at Lyon and AC Milan, Vikash Dhorasoo appeared 18 times for the French national team. After retiring from football, he found new interests in both film and poker. His highest prize was $187,887 at the $2,200 Barrier Poker Tour in 2010, and he’s collected two event wins on the European Poker Tour, underlining his adaptability and skill.
David Levi: From Israeli Football to Poker Riches
Though less known as a footballer, David Levi’s poker career has been nothing short of extraordinary. After a paratrooper stint and a football career with Hapoel Ramat Gan, Levi pursued poker full time following an injury. His poker achievements eclipse his football fame, with $2.6 million in live tournament winnings and repeated cashes at the WSOP and World Poker Tour events.
Conclusion: The Winning Mentality Translates from Sport to Poker
These ten athletes illustrate how competitive instincts, analytical skills, and mental discipline cultivated on the football pitch can lead to real achievements in the poker world. Whether winning bracelets, making final tables, or earning six-figure sums, these footballers have proven that their talents reach well beyond the beautiful game.
