List of Famous Soccer Players Who Smoke Weed

Cannabis in soccer spans decades — From the first Premier League cannabis ban in 1995 to recent post-career admissions, cases appear across eras. Sanctions vary by severity — Consequences range from brief suspensions to multi-month bans, depending on context and policy. Attitudes and policies are evolving — Growing openness mirrors changing legal landscapes and reduced stigma in sport and society. Recreational, not performance-enhancing — Reported use is framed as relaxation rather than athletic advantage. Post-career candor is rising — Retired players discuss past use more freely, reflecting shifting norms. Herb helps fans navigate the space — From strain guides to dispensary directories, Herb connects audiences to the culture responsibly.

Crystal Palace striker Chris Armstrong became the first Premier League player to receive a ban for cannabis in 1995, receiving a four-match suspension after testing positive. This early case established that even recreational use would trigger disciplinary action regardless of performance enhancement claims. Armstrongs ban set a precedent for how English football would handle cannabis-related incidents in subsequent years.

The French international goalkeeper, who was part of Frances 1998 World Cup squad, faced immediate dismissal from his team and a two-month ban after testing positive for cannabis in 1997. As one of the highest-profile goalkeepers to face sanctions, Lamas case demonstrated that even established stars werent immune to consequences. His position as a World Cup winner made the incident particularly newsworthy, highlighting the tension between team success and individual conduct.

Former South African national team captain Mbulelo Mabizela received a six-month ban and fine in 2006 after testing positive for cannabis. The lengthy suspension showed that leadership positions offered no protection from disciplinary action. Mabizelas case was particularly notable because it involved a team leader sending a message that cannabis use wouldnt be tolerated regardless of a players status or importance to the squad.

The former Arsenal and Crystal Palace star revealed he smoked weed consistently from age 17 through his professional career, acknowledging he nearly threw away his career through drug use. Wrights candid admission, made after retirement, reflects the changing willingness of former players to discuss past cannabis use without fear of professional consequences. His openness serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the pressures faced by professional athletes.

France’s World Cup–winning, Champions League–level goalkeeper received a two-month ban in 1996 after he tested positive for cannabis. Coming at the height of his rise, the suspension underscored that even elite performers faced disciplinary consequences for recreational use. Barthez’s stature made the case highly visible, illustrating how governing bodies balanced player fame with enforcement and how cannabis-related sanctions could briefly eclipse on-field achievements.

Reduced stigma has created space for retired players to share experiences more openly. Honest discussion supports current players facing similar challenges. Conversations are evolving alongside legal and medical developments, reflected in recent marijuana attitudes data.

Openness around past use helps reduce isolation among athletes. Normalizing support-seeking can prevent minor issues from escalating. Community information improves literacy around responsible use, as outlined in the Herb education hub.

Governing bodies increasingly distinguish in-competition vs. out-of-competition use. Emphasis is shifting toward impairment rather than metabolite presence alone. Nuanced approaches are emerging, consistent with WADA cannabis rules

Explore strain information and effects after watching a match. Find dispensaries and products in legal markets near you. Tap into community insights via Herb strain guides.