Before the COVID-19 pandemic, social media was often just a quick distraction — a brief scroll before returning to work or daily life. But the global lockdowns transformed it into something far more significant, turning nearly everyone, including athletes, into active content creators.
During this period, many footballers and other celebrities began exploring new creative outlets, from hosting live discussions to sharing personal stories and lifestyle content. Even after restrictions eased, some continued their digital journeys, launching YouTube channels, podcasts, and other platforms to showcase their passions, family life, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Here are some footballers who have successfully expanded their influence beyond the pitch, making their mark in the world of digital content creation.
- Victor Boniface, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka
In June, the three Super Eagles stars teamed up to launch something fresh and exciting, The Culture League.
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Bringing their off-pitch energy into a new space, they created a podcast that explores the worlds of “music, fashion, film, and all things culture”, showing that their creativity stretches far beyond the football field.
The idea behind The Culture League came from a desire to flip the script, “to be the ones asking the questions for once, and to better understand careers outside of football”.
Since its debut, the show has featured an impressive lineup of guests, including Basketmouth, Timini Egbuson, Odumodublvck, and Omowunmi Dada.
In under a year, their YouTube channel has attracted thousand subscribers, a sign that fans are loving the refreshing crossover of sport and culture.
- Abu Azeez
The Nigerian beach soccer star stepped behind the microphone in 2023 when he launched The Abu Azeez Pod.
But rather than stepping completely away from the pitch, Azeez chose to stay close to the game, using his platform to shine the light on the inner workings of Nigerian football.
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He unpacks the sport from the inside out, offering the kind of insight only someone who’s lived it can provide.
From former players and agents to medical professionals, his conversations dive into the often-overlooked sides of the game, the grassroots struggles, missed opportunities, behind-the-scenes politics, and the human stories that rarely make headlines.
Since its debut, the podcast has featured a wide mix of voices including Mfon Udoh and agents like Lanre Famakinwa.
- Ola Aina
Beyond the world of structured podcasts and serious football conversations, the defender is owning Snapchat.
Aina may be known for his defensive flair on the pitch, but on Snapchat, he’s something of a comedy icon.
Over time, the Super Eagles full-back has built a reputation for his funny and unfiltered snaps. He turns everyday randomness into short, hilarious clips — from behind-the-scenes moments with teammates to match reactions and playful videos.
All of it adds up to make his Snapchat page an unexpected hub of laughter in the Nigerian football scene.
His informal use of Snapchat allows him to connect with fans on a personal level, letting his personality shine through in a way few players do, and offering a glimpse into what football looks like behind the scenes.
Recently, a TikTok user identified as Alan described the defender’s Snapchat as the “best Snapchat account of the year.”
“No one can tell me Ola Aina snap isn’t the greatest snap on Snapchat right now. Every time I watch that brother snap, I am cringing. Bro makes being a footballer look fun,” he said.
- Cristiano Ronaldo
In August 2024, the Portuguese football star made history with the launch of his YouTube channel, Ur Cristiano.
Within just 90 minutes of going live, the channel hit 1 million subscribers, setting a new record for the fastest-growing channel ever. By the 24-hour mark, that number had soared past 19 million.
Aside from football updates, the channel also features content with his longtime partner, Georgina Rodríguez, offering fans a well-rounded glimpse into his world.
Ur Cristiano blends polished intimate moments, covering everything from family life and fashion outings to behind-the-scenes access, personal reflections, and doses of motivation.
As of August 2025, the channel has surpassed 76 million subscribers, solidifying its position as one of the most successful YouTube channels of all time.
- Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Michael Richards
In August 2023, these three English football greats teamed up to launch The Rest Is Football, a twice-weekly podcast.
The show is a lively blend of Shearer’s dry humour, Richards’ infectious personality, and Lineker’s seasoned insight as they break down the week’s biggest football stories, share behind-the-scenes memories, and respond to questions from listeners.
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Following Lineker’s departure from the BBC in May, the podcast made a big move to DAZN, the entertainment platform.
With that move came an upgrade. The Rest Is Football now features licensed match clips and exclusive coverage from events like the Club World Cup.
With its mix of sharp analysis, good-natured banter, and genuine chemistry between the hosts, The Rest Is Football has become one of the most popular sports podcasts in the UK.
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