Over the years, video games have become widely popular. If we are to believe the most recent analyses, more than 3 billion people are fans, or more than one in three people. Among these players, we find several famous athletes, such as Neymar Jr., Max Verstappen and Gordon Hayward. Athletes who, according to this ExpressVPN article, in addition to performing at the highest level of their sport, manage to achieve their goals. reach the heights of certain games. Without further ado, here are 5 world-famous athletes who are fans of video games.
Neymar Jr. (Al-hilal FC – Football)
Winner of the Champions League in 2015 with FC Barcelona, three-time winner of the Coupe de France and five-time winner of the French Championship with Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar Jr. was one of the most successful players in the world. considered as one of the best football players of his generation. An international star who will have allowed; its different teams to shine, in particular thanks to its difficult technique equal. But Neymar also shines off the field, particularly online. A big fan of video games, he started playing video games. à share his passion with his fans on Twitch, via sessions onCounter-Strike: Global Offensiveand Call of Duty.
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And obviously, when Neymar demonstrates his talents with the controller in hand, his audience follows. The Brazilian star unites, so much so that Facebook Gaming decides to offer him an exclusive contract.As insolent on the field as off it, Neymar suffered the same blow. a temporary ban from Twitch his beginnings, for having shared his Richarlison's phone number. Unfortunately for his teammate, around ten thousand messages were sent. received within minutes. Being a teammate of Neymar is apparently a challenge. double-edged.
Max Verstappen (Oracle red bull racing – f1)
A member of the Red Bull team since 2016, Max Verstappen has stood out at the top of Formula 1 since its beginnings. After surprising himself with his precocity, he silenced his detractors by remaining at the top of this extremely competitive sport for years.Since 2021, Verstappen has had a string of performances incredible, stringing together the coronations.And while this 2024 season only has three Grands Prix to be contested, Hardly, Verstappen can boast of having started in Pole position of the three, before winning the first two.
In addition to being an unparalleled talent behind the wheel of Formula 1, Verstappen also shines on FIFA. In 2019, the Dutch driver reached 21st place in the world in the FIFA Ultimate Team mode of the Electronic Arts franchise.A feat given the intensive training the pilot undergoes. But Verstappen is not only strong at home; distance, comfortably installed in his sofa, since he has proven perform well under pressure. Last year, he defeated Koen Weijland, five-time Dutch FIFA champion, in a friendly duel.
Gordon Hayward (thunder of oklahoma city – basketball)
Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Gordon Hayward finally joined the Oklahoma City Thunder last February, traded against Tre Mann, Dāvis Bertāns and Vasilije Micić. American basketball star, Hayward also delights fans of Fortnite. While Epic Games' Battle Royale goes through seasons and updates, it's a great success. Today, Hayward saw his passion for video games grow thanks to the gaming event.
This is following on from After a shin injury during the 2017-2018 NBA season, Hayward discovered this rich medium. And after Fortnite, here it is! that the Thunder player started to play; League of Legends. But Hayward's investment in video games goes beyond that. of a few games in Summoner's Rift.Hayward notably invested in Bestcoast, a North American esports organization.
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari – Formula 1)
In addition to shining in Formula 1, Charles Leclerc also shines in video games. But there where Verstappen changes scenery, and puts on the crampons, Leclerc focuses on Sim Racing. It is in automobile simulation that Leclerc seduced fans of the genre, from its beginnings during the Covid-19 pandemic which paralyzed the world. many countries, and put to use stopping Formulas 1.
At a standstill, Leclerc, accompanied by by other pilots like George Russell, Lando Norris and Alex Albon, formed an F1 quartet on video games. It was on Twitch, Amazon's streaming platform, that fans of the pilot were able to find its gaming sessions.Leclerc notably participated in the at the F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series, along with other drivers.
Andrea Pirlo (retired – Football)
Renowned Italian player, Andrea Pirlo scored football thanks to a technicality and unparalleled flair. And even though the player’s career ended in 2017 after two seasons at New York City FC, Pirlo moved on to football. on the other side from the sidelines, as a coach. After Juventus FC in the 2020-2021 season and Fatih Karagümrük in 2022-2023, the Italian coach has joined the team. on the side from UC Sampdoria. But the 2006 World Cup winner is not only addicted to football, he is also a fan of video games.
In his autobiography “I Think Therefore I Play“, he reveals that the PlayStation is the best invention of all time right behind the wheel. But unlike the athletes mentioned Previously, Pirlo had never sailed in the world. at the highest peak of some games. A casual player, he plays to relax. And in 2006, just before the World Cup final, he spent his afternoon at home. play the PlayStation. A moment of relaxation which was successful for him, since it offers everyone a chance to relax. Italy a decisive pass to in the 19th minute for Materazzi, before scoring the first shot on goal of the Italian session at the end of the match.