The life of a professional footballer is one of undeniable glamour.
Because of their sizeable contracts with their respective clubs, the sport’s most famous stars spend their downtime during the off-season at some of the globe’s most breathtaking destinations. From seaside wonders to busy city centres, footballers all strive for different vacations when they’re not competing for the biggest honours on the field. So, let’s take a look at where three players go on holiday.
Lionel Messi – Ibiza
In many ways, Lionel Messi is something of a creature of habit. After joining Barcelona’s youth team in 2001, the Argentine has since spent the entirety of his professional career at the Camp Nou. The same can also be said for his holiday preferences. Typically, the 33-year-old stays in Spain, spending numerous holidays in Formentera, Ibiza, and Sitges. Of those, however, Tribuna state that Messi is a great admirer of Ibiza.
In July 2020, the Argentine spent time on a yacht with his family and former Barcelona teammate, Luis Suarez. The Mediterranean Sea provides the ideal environment for Messi to relax ahead of challenging La Liga fixtures and Champions League contests. Given the popularity of knockout football, Barcelona will be pleased to have the Argentine well-rested ahead of the upcoming European tournament. This appeal is reflected in the emergence of popular online slots, such as Football: Champions Cup, which can be found at Betsson casino. The five-reel slot takes inspiration from the World Cup and provides prospective players with an immersive football-themed experience.
Alexis Sanchez – Marbella
Having made a name for himself at Udinese and Barcelona between 2006 and 2014, Chile’s Alexis Sanchez swapped Spain for the Premier League for six years. After playing for both Arsenal and Manchester United, the 31-year-old transferred to Italy to join Inter Milan in 2020. Based on the winger’s holiday destination, however, it’s fair to say that he must have fond memories of his time in Spain.
According to a report from the Telegraph, the Chilean travelled to Marbella after Arsenal clinched their 13th FA Cup at the end of the 2016-17 season. Sanchez was pictured on a yacht with numerous people, as well as his golden retriever dogs. Located in southern Spain, the city on the Costa del Sol has long been a popular holiday destination among tourists. Known for its beaches and nightlife, Marbella has everything that a top-flight footballer needs to recover from a long season.
Cristiano Ronaldo – French Riviera
Much like Sanchez, Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo also enjoys spending the off-season at sea. In the past, the Portuguese striker often went to Las Vegas during his break from football. However, he has since swapped the entertainment capital of the world for something more relaxing. As per the Metro, the 35-year-old and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, spent their summer on a superyacht in the French Riviera with their son and Ronaldo’s three other children.
Given his profile as a global superstar, it’s hardly surprising that the three-time Ballon d’Or winner seeks to spend the off-season off the coast of Saint-Tropez. Famous for its tranquillity and picturesque beaches, Ronaldo is unlikely to be the last professional football to take advantage of the French town’s peaceful nature.
A Sea-Orientated Pattern
Although each of the above footballers like to enjoy their free time unwinding in different locations, it seems fair to say that yacht-based vacations have taken the football world by storm. From the coast of France to Spanish waters, famous players are arguably spending more of their time than ever before out at sea and away from the general public in their efforts to escape superstardom.
