The Arsenal Football Club is probably one of the most popular and richest football clubs in the present-day world. With a rich history and a large global fanbase, this London club has always attracted attention both on and off the field. However, what many people don't know is that many Arsenal players are avid gamers, spending their free time playing their favorite titles. In this article, we will be looking at which games the Arsenal footballers enjoy and more importantly why gaming is as big a part of the Arsenal footballer`s life as eating a healthy meal.

Football and Video Games: How FIFA Unites Arsenal Players

Football as a sport and video games complement each other and that is why FIFA is believed to be the best if played with. This is one of the most beloved games among Arsenal players, who actively compete both virtually and in real-life football. FIFA is a favorite game of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka. They have both actively participated in friendly matches and FIFA gaming in general growing out of simple play options to friendly betting. It has become some kind of entertainment for Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, they even challenged other famous players, one own teammates included. 

In FIFA, as in real football, skill and strategy are key. Although there are many different game modes, Ultimate Team is incredibly interesting as it allows users to create and develop their teams. This is where FIFA coins are used to acquire and develop a squad and can be acquired through a player’s account or through purchasing through one's wallet. These are required for the purchase of the player cards, to train the players, and to improve your squad. The above-mentioned players use social networks to talk to their fans and share important information about the game and their victories in-game. It has become some kind of entertainment for Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, they even challenged other famous players, one own teammates included.

Zinchenko and His Esports Career

Oleksandr Zinchenko is not only a defender for Arsenal but also an active player in the world of video games. His passion for esports was later noted in started his own Dota 2 team named Passion UA. The team competes in various local tournaments and has already achieved success on the international stage. One of their biggest accomplishments was finishing second in the European Pro League Season 21 Tier 3 Tournament. This was a significant achievement for both the team and Zinchenko personally. Zinchenko also gains his fame due to his affection for Counter-Strike and he is playing it quite often. His social media is filled with posts that he shares with the successes he has in gaming much as revealing the seriousness of the involvement in virtual worlds.

Gabriel Jesus and His Passion for Counter-Strike

Counter-Strike and Arsenal’s forward Gabriel Jesus can now be mentioned in the same breath and it is not sheer enthusiasm. He is rather excited about the game and spends many hours actually playing it. With over 4,500 hours of gameplay as well as a high rank in CS:GO and Counter-Strike 2, Jesus proves that he is a real gamer. He doesn’t just play; he also organizes esports events and has even competed with stars like Neymar, with whom he has hosted joint tournaments.

This hobby has not been for want of facing some rough and uneven terrains. For example, Jesus once faced an account ban due to suspicious transactions, though the ban was later lifted. Jesus’s success in Counter-Strike only strengthens his reputation as not just a talented footballer but also a skilled gamer.

Former Arsenal Players in the World of Video Games

Arsenal legends enjoy playing video games. Former player Mesut Özil is also known for his love of gaming. He plays the FIFA and Fortnite games most of the time, sharing his game moments with his fans. Özil started his own Twitch channel, even though he only went live once in the past three years. On top of that, Özil runs his own esports organization, M10 Esports, where he develops a team of players and works on expanding sports disciplines. His agent has reportedly pointed out that Özil is very keen on Fortnite, and he has said that he sees no reason why he cannot be a professional e-gamer later in his life.

Another former Arsenal player — Theo Walcott — is equally an avid fan of video games, especially FIFA. He often posts his gaming moments on social networks demonstrating where he plays virtual soccer and other games. Such passion is now his life because he shares the updates and information I fans through his social platforms. The former striker of Arsenal — Alexis Sánchez — is also a devoted gamer. A lot of his followers keep track of his gaming “career.” Sánchez plays FIFA monetizes the discussions on social media about the game and interacts with his audience.

Conclusion

Arsenal players are not just stars on the field; they are also active participants in the world of video games. Their passion for games like FIFA, Counter-Strike, and Dota 2 shows that gaming can be more than just a hobby — it can become a significant part of their lives outside of football. The virtual world has become a great way for them to relax. For some, it even serves as a stepping stone into esports. Who knows, perhaps in the future we will see them competing in international esports tournaments, not only for football titles but for gaming trophies as well.