In a recent discussion, Wayne Rooney’s admission of his struggles with alcohol during his illustrious time with Manchester United serves as a striking reminder that even elite athletes grapple with hidden battles. His revelations also feel reminiscent of a bygone era.
Rooney shared, “There were times I would binge drink for two days, head into training, score two goals, and then return to that cycle.” He continued, “I was in the depths of my struggle with alcohol, feeling isolated and unwilling to burden anyone with my issues.”
Today, soccer has evolved into a highly commercial venture, with massive investments directed toward player health, mental well-being, and nutrition. This makes Rooney’s narrative, originating from his peak years at United between 2004 and 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson, seem somewhat antiquated.
Many clubs now monitor athletes’ weights daily and utilize saliva tests to track health metrics — one such test is even capable of identifying concussions. Nevertheless, instances of alcohol misuse are still present amongst players. Although newer challenges have emerged — including gambling, excessive gaming, nitrous oxide use, and snus (nicotine pouches) — discussions about alcohol continue to be vital.
Jeff Whitley, a player welfare executive and counselor at the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), told ESPN, “While alcohol consumption has decreased since the 1990s, we are still actively engaging players about their alcohol use.”
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In the 2024-25 English season, the PFA conducted over 1,500 well-being assessments across the Premier League, EFL, and Women’s Super League (WSL), identifying alcohol as a concern for about 13% of players.
Whitley remarked, “While players may not be partying as hard as those in the past, it’s critical to comprehend their drinking behaviors and how they define excessive consumption. Some may binge drink only a few times a month, but the impact can still be significant.”
He added, “The concern arises when drinking is uncontrolled, leading to reckless behavior such as driving after drinking or engaging in fights. We address this with those willing to discuss their experiences.”
Clubs routinely collaborate with the PFA, seeking Wellbeing Workshops that educate players on available support systems. The PFA boasts a dedicated wellbeing team providing discreet assistance, including a 24/7 helpline and access to a nationwide network of counselors.
Thanks to a partnership with Sporting Chance Clinic, PFA members can also seek specialized treatment for mental health and addiction. Founded by former Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams in 2000, Sporting Chance offers essential counseling for current and former athletes facing these challenges.
Whitley’s personal experiences enable him to connect with players confronting addiction.
A veteran of over 300 games with clubs like Manchester City and Sunderland, Whitley battled alcohol and drug addictions in his youth, leading to bankruptcy and rehab at Sporting Chance. He recalls being drawn into the drinking culture prevalent in the 1990s, a time when support for players was virtually non-existent.
“When I played, such issues were rarely discussed. Some veterans would assert, ‘If you aren’t drinking, you won’t last in football,'” he recollected.
Whitley spoke about how he struggled with drinking at 17, emphasizing that he worked hard to improve, driven by the desire to succeed as a player. “Fortunately, things have changed, and support is now available,” he added.
Despite the 13% figure indicating ongoing issues with alcohol among players, modern soccer differs vastly from the culture of the 1990s. An infamous photograph of England’s Euro 1996 squad drinking heavily captured the game’s past relationship with alcohol, where the players’ antics became embedded in folklore rather than being deemed as reckless.
It wasn’t until Arsene Wenger’s arrival at Arsenal in 1996 that real change began, as he enforced a ban on drinking on the team bus and limited players’ access to alcohol.
“I won’t eliminate beer entirely, as one pint can help players unwind. However, excessive drinking is detrimental to a footballer’s body, which constitutes their livelihood,” Wenger stated.
ESPN analyst Don Hutchison, who logged a 19-year career with clubs like Liverpool and West Ham, has witnessed this significant transformation. Yet, even years after his retirement, he laments the toll alcohol took on his own career.
“Sometimes I go to bed and think about my early nineties decisions and wonder what could have been,” Hutchison reflected. “Though I played for remarkable teams, I can’t help but feel I could have achieved more.”
Hutchison recalled arriving at Liverpool as a dedicated young athlete, only to feel immense pressure to conform to the drinking culture rife among older players. “On Tuesdays, our training routine included visiting a sports bar nearby, leading to a situation where we all indulged the night before a day off.”
His notoriety peaked during a 1994 vacation when he was photographed in a bar wearing only a Budweiser label, which ultimately led to his move from Liverpool to West Ham.
“The reckless behavior I exhibited cost me — leading to unnecessary headlines and damaged my career,” he recounted. “At the time, the ethos was to work hard and play hard. Nowadays, such behavior seems absurd, but it was the norm back then. Today’s players, like James Milner, exemplify a more professional approach to lifestyle and training.”
While the landscape of soccer continues to evolve, issues with alcohol remain, albeit to a lesser extent. As new addictions arise, Whitley emphasizes the importance of players recognizing available resources for support.
“Snus has become a prevalent issue within the sport, prompting clubs to request targeted workshops,” he explained. “Whether it’s snus, nitrous oxide, or alcohol, players must understand the nature of their addictions to find healthier alternatives.”
“Therapy isn’t merely for crises; many positive outcomes emerge from early intervention. We want players to seek help earlier in their careers rather than waiting until they’ve reached a breaking point. The trend of younger players reaching out for assistance reflects progress in addressing these concerns.”
The experiences of Rooney, Adams, and Hutchison illustrate a regrettable past influenced by alcohol within soccer, yet a more promising future emerges through improved support systems and awareness for the new generation of players navigating similar challenges.