Legendary Ranks of Footballers Showcasing the Benefits of a Surging Pastime
Footballers tend to earn substantial wages, so you might expect them to spend their downtime on golden beaches, luxury yachts, or in exclusive clubs. Many, however, turn to a far more low-key pastime—one that is currently surging in popularity across the UK: fishing.
According to its 2024/25 report, the Environment Agency recorded a 2.5 percent increase in fishing licences issued in England. Of the more than 930,000 licences sold last year, a fair number likely belonged to former and current footballers embracing this classic pastime.
Why is Fishing on the Rise?
Recreational angling has long been embedded in British culture. The country’s extensive network of rivers, lakes, and coastline makes it accessible to almost anyone willing to pick up a rod and cast a line.
In recent years, however, mainstream media has played a major role in boosting its appeal.
During the 2010s, fishing-based television shows saw a surge in popularity, often focusing on the thrill of the catch and encounters with exotic or powerful fish. Wicked Tuna, Extreme Fishing, and especially River Monsters headlined this trend, alongside related high-intensity series like Deadliest Catch.
Suddenly, fishing was no longer seen as a slow or niche activity. Instead, it became associated with excitement, challenge, and the timeless appeal of man versus nature—presented as both accessible and rewarding.
This growing appeal has also extended into other forms of entertainment.
In 2020, Big Bass Bonanza arrived to change slot gaming, drawing directly on fishing themes. The game recreates the thrill of the catch, with fish symbols carrying different values and bonus features mimicking the experience of landing a big one.
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Banking on Entertainment and Seclusion
More recently, Manchester City forward Phil Foden has spoken about his growing interest in fishing. In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, he described it as an ideal way to switch off—quiet, calming, and far removed from the pressures of professional football.
Foden also mentioned trying to introduce teammates to the hobby, although he wasn’t aware of many fellow players who share his interest. That said, former teammate Sergio Agüero is known to be a keen angler, even visiting a local fishing shop in Middlewich during an injury spell in 2014.
Fishing has also appealed to retired stars. Paul Merson and David Seaman—both Arsenal legends—were reported to have fished together on the River Wye in 2023. Meanwhile, David Beckham celebrated his 50th birthday with a fishing trip to the remote Scottish island of Scarba.
Other well-known names linked to fishing include Paul Gascoigne, Cristiano Ronaldo, John Terry, Robin van Persie, Memphis Depay, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Bobby Zamora.
Even for players accustomed to the intensity of packed stadiums and bright floodlights, the quiet isolation of fishing continues to hold strong appeal.