The past year has seen several high-profile footballers receive drastic bans for breaking betting rules, from Ivan Toney to Newcastle’s new signing Sandro Tonali.
It’s been a shock to the sport’s system that so many players – who one might think don’t need to bet thanks to their sky-high salaries – can fall foul of betting rules. Yet addiction is more common than you might think among these superstars, including drinking and drug habits that threaten to break the most promising careers.
Many footballers do successfully battle their demons to get their careers back on track, even winning trophies in some cases.
This article looks at some of those success stories. Here are four big-name stars who managed to put their addictions behind them for good.
Paul Merson
Ask any Arsenal fan over 30 what they think of Paul Merson and the answer will normally include the word ‘talent’.
The London native graced Arsenal’s midfield under George Graham, helping the club to two league titles and a pair of cups during the late eighties to early nineties.
However, the player hit the headlines for the wrong reasons in 1994 when he announced a drug, alcohol, and betting addiction in an emotional press conference. The news came as a shock to Arsenal fans who saw the player sit out for several months as he battled his demons.
Merson’s sad case highlights how easy it is for a rich player with loads of time on his hands can fall into addiction.
Cases like Merson’s have at least led the UK betting industry to take steps to prevent addiction. Players now have a maximum stake on slot games and can’t bet using their credit cards anymore. Bookmakers and casinos must also fully explain their special offers, even ones like free welcome bonuses that don’t require a deposit.
Merson left Arsenal soon after his revelation, but he went on to have more success elsewhere, including becoming most expensive player signed by a non-PL club when he put pen to paper at Middlesborough in 1997.
Tony Adams
Tony Adams, the former Arsenal captain, is one of the sport’s most high-profile cases after struggling with his addictions for many years, but one great thing has come out of it at least.
The star has often spoken about the transformative impact of the Sporting Chance Clinic, a charity he established two decades ago to provide support for sports professionals grappling with mental health and addiction issues.
Adams, known for his well-documented battle with alcoholism, acknowledges that it took hitting rock bottom before recognizing the need for help.
He founded the clinic after identifying the lack of support within the sports profession, and it has become a lifeline for athletes dealing with various challenges, including a rising concern with gambling addiction.
Despite his struggles, Adams views the Sporting Chance Clinic as the best thing he has ever done, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2020.
Paul McGrath
Paul McGrath’s battle with alcoholism unfolds as a poignant and harrowing saga, laid bare in his autobiography, “Back from The Brink.”
The former Irish football icon, celebrated for his contributions to Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland, grapples with a crippling addiction that permeates every facet of his life. From suicide attempts to boss Sir Alex Ferguson offering him £100,000 to quit the game, McGrath’s journey was a tough one.
Nowadays, however, McGrath has found success off the pitch, spearheading numerous charitable events and raising tonnes of money for good cause. In his book, the narrative sheds light on the insidious nature of addiction, intertwining with his once-dazzling football career. His openness about his struggles, including the desperation leading to drinking harmful substances, has also helped others in his position and his story is a testament to the star’s resilience.
Steven Caulker
Wigan defender Steven Caulker’s football journey, peppered with Premier League appearances and international accolades, masks a huge battle with gambling and alcohol addictions.
Despite a career that saw him play for top clubs like Tottenham, Liverpool, and captain Sierra Leone, Caulker’s struggles led to stints in rehab from his teens onward.
Now on the path to coaching, he aspires to use his experiences to support players facing mental health challenges.
Caulker’s candidness about his addiction’s grip, starting with gambling at 15 and escalating at 19, unveils the complexities of his off-field struggle. His journey, marked by missed opportunities, emphasizes the long-lasting impact of addiction on a promising football career.
Anything is possible
The above stories show that even though addiction is a cruel disease that is exceptionally difficult to overcome, it is possible for sufferers to pull through it and make a success of their lives. Under the limelight, this takes on its own form of pressure, but with the right support, anything is possible.
Putting a direct link to a gambling site in an article about gambling addiction is not a good look admin. I know you have to get revenue from somewhere but sorry, this seems like a poor decision to me.