Can Soccer Players Smoke Weed? Updated (2025)
If you are wondering can soccer players smoke weed – this is for you.
In the world of professional soccer, athletes are expected to maintain peak physical condition and adhere to strict rules around drug consumption.
Yet, as societal attitudes toward marijuana use evolve, a pressing question arises: Can soccer players smoke weed? what are the rules? and the consequences?
In this article, we will address the question of do professional soccer players smoke weed but also examine other forms of smoking, such as cigars and vapes, that some athletes may turn to.
Can Soccer Players Smoke Weed
In this article, you can read through all 5 sections or skip ahead to the topics that are most important to you. Make sure to stick around until the end, watch the video tutorial, and get your special free gift that is guaranteed to make you a better player.
- Can pro soccer players smoke weed?
- Do soccer players smoke? (cigars, vapes, etc)
- Do any professional soccer players smoke weed?
- How to breathe properly when playing soccer
- How to become a better soccer player, improve faster & achieve more!
I hope this article gives you a clear answer to the question – can soccer players smoke weed? Let’s go!
Can Pro Soccer Players Smoke Weed?
FIFA, the governing body for international soccer, had a strict anti-doping policy that included cannabis on its list of prohibited substances. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sets the standard for anti-doping regulations, and FIFA adheres to these guidelines.
So can pro soccer players smoke weed? Well, under the WADA code, cannabis (marijuana) was classified as a prohibited substance, and players could be subject to anti-doping testing.
If a player tested positive for cannabis, they could face disciplinary actions, including suspension and fines. However, the landscape of cannabis regulations and attitudes towards its use was evolving.
There are ongoing discussions about potential changes to these policies, especially in light of the changing legal status of cannabis in various countries.
Do Soccer Players Smoke?
Soccer players, like individuals in any profession or walk of life, have diverse personal habits and preferences. Do soccer players smoke?
Some soccer players may indeed smoke cigars, cigarettes, or use vaping products, while others may abstain from such habits entirely.
It’s important to note that smoking can have negative effects on an athlete’s physical health and athletic performance, and many professional athletes, including soccer players, are aware of these risks and choose to avoid smoking to maintain their fitness and competitive edge.
Additionally, smoking habits and the use of tobacco and nicotine products can be subject to regulations set by sports organizations, teams, and leagues.
These regulations may prohibit smoking in certain areas, during training, or while representing a team.
Overall, while some soccer players may engage in smoking or vaping, it varies from individual to individual, and many athletes prioritize their health and fitness, making efforts to avoid such habits that can be detrimental to their performance.
Do Any Professional Soccer Players Smoke Weed?
There were some professional soccer players who faced controversies or disciplinary actions related to cannabis use. However, it’s important to note that the landscape of cannabis regulations and attitudes was evolving, and players’ situations may change over time.
Do any professional soccer players smoke weed?
Some examples of professional soccer players who had faced issues related to cannabis use include:
- Kieran Tierney: The Arsenal and Scottish national team defender was photographed holding what appeared to be a cannabis cigarette while with the Scottish national team in 2020. However, no official disciplinary action was taken against him.
- Jack Grealish: The English midfielder, who was with Aston Villa at the time, was photographed inhaling nitrous oxide (laughing gas) from a balloon, which is not related to cannabis but is a recreational substance. He received warnings from his club regarding such behavior.
Soccer Players Smoking Weed
While pro soccer players smoking weed may vary depending on the league and its regulations, it is clear that the topic of substance use, whether it be tobacco, vaping, or marijuana, is a subject of interest and scrutiny within the world of professional sports.
As attitudes toward cannabis continue to evolve worldwide, and as research on its effects and benefits expands, the policies and perspectives within the soccer community may also shift. One constant, however, is the importance of proper breathing techniques in soccer.
Regardless of any individual’s stance on substance use, mastering the art of efficient respiration on the pitch remains a critical aspect of a player’s performance and well-being.
In the dynamic world of soccer, as in society at large, the interplay between personal choices, regulations, and the pursuit of excellence is ever-present, making this an ongoing conversation within the beautiful game
Common Questions
Here are some common questions related to the question of can soccer players smoke weed:
Which soccer players smoke weed?
There have been a few professional soccer players who have been publicly associated with marijuana use. Some of these players have admitted to smoking weed, while others have faced disciplinary actions related to cannabis use.
Notably, Kolo Touré, former Ivorian footballer, was banned for six months after testing positive for a banned substance related to cannabis in 2011. Abou Diaby, another former Premier League player, also faced controversies over drug use, including cannabis.
Yohann Gourcuff, a French midfielder, also faced drug-related suspensions in his career. In recent years, the topic of players using CBD oil (which is derived from marijuana but contains no psychoactive substances) has come to light, with many players taking advantage of its potential recovery benefits without facing legal penalties.
Can soccer players smoke CBD?
CBD use is generally acceptable for soccer players, as long as it does not contain THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
CBD is used for various reasons, particularly in aiding recovery after intense physical exertion. Many players use CBD products, like oils or topical creams, to reduce inflammation and improve sleep, which can be critical in maintaining peak performance and minimizing injury risk.
Since CBD does not affect performance in the same way marijuana does, it is not banned by most sports organizations, but players must ensure their products are completely THC-free to avoid accidental violations of anti-doping regulations.
Can soccer players smoke cigarettes?
While it’s not officially banned, smoking cigarettes is strongly discouraged in the soccer world. Cigarette smoking is known to have a significant negative effect on cardiovascular health, stamina, and overall performance, which directly impacts a player’s game.
Soccer demands high levels of physical endurance, and cigarette use can impair lung function and reduce a player’s stamina, affecting their speed, agility, and reaction time.
Although no immediate punishment comes from smoking, players who smoke generally face significant physical limitations, which can hinder their performance in competition.
What happens if soccer players smoke weed?
If soccer players smoke weed, they risk not only harming their physical fitness and performance but also facing legal consequences from their team or league. Marijuana is considered a banned substance by most professional sports organizations, including FIFA.
Using weed impairs coordination, reaction time, and cognitive function, which are all critical aspects of soccer performance. If a player tests positive for cannabis, they could face sanctions such as a suspension, fines, or even a ban from competitions, depending on the severity of the violation.
In addition to professional consequences, regular marijuana use can also negatively affect the player’s health and fitness levels.
SOCCER PLAYERS
Want to become a better soccer player?
Watch this 3-minute video about discovering your true potential
Learn how to improve your skills, mindset, soccer IQ, and fitness—no matter your level. Start playing with confidence, earning respect, and impressing coaches today.
About Coach Dylan
I used to struggle with confidence in soccer, feeling slow, weak, and unmotivated. Coaches overlooked me, and friends made fun of my skills. At one point, I even quit.
But I decided to take control of my development. Through hard work, I transformed my game, earned league titles, awards, a college scholarship, and international caps.
Now, I share my lessons and help others improve through my YouTube channel (1/2 million subscribers), soccer coaching and personal training.
How To Play Soccer Better
Struggling to make progress in soccer or stay organized with your training?
The Soccer Success Planner will help you stay focused, motivated, and increase your chances of achieving your goals in soccer.
Success doesn’t happen accidentally. Use it to set clear goals, create a plan of action, and take control of your future. Learn more about the Soccer Success Planner.
How To Become A Better Soccer Player
Struggling to improve in soccer or unsure how to train effectively? Want to stand out and earn respect from teammates and coaches?
The Online Soccer Academy will get you better results in less time.
Thousands of players have already transformed their game in just 60 days. Learn more about how the online soccer academy.
Related Posts
Here are some related posts to help you gain more knowledge and helpful advice:y:
How to be successful in soccer
How to get MATCH FIT for soccer
Coach Dylan
Progressive Soccer
Thank you for reading this article:
Can Soccer Players Smoke Weed? Updated (2025)