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Jackpot Sounds Highlights 10 Celebrities Who Love Betting on Soccer

by Gareth
young man traveling holding boarding passes and football

Betting on soccer has long been a pastime enjoyed by fans across the globe, and celebrities are no exception. From athletes to musicians and business moguls, many high-profile figures have found themselves drawn to the thrill of placing wagers on their favourite teams or high-stakes games.

These celebrities have made headlines for their soccer betting exploits, regardless of their passion for the sport, love for competition, or allure of big wins.

In this article, we’ll explore the stories of ten famous personalities who have taken their soccer fandom to the next level, often risking significant sums to back their predictions.

Each celebrity has a unique connection to soccer betting, offering a glimpse into the high-stakes world of celebrity gamblers.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan’s competitive spirit is not limited to the basketball court—it extends to his gambling habits, including soccer bets. Known for his love of high-stakes betting, Jordan reportedly wagered on NFL games during his career.

Although specific soccer bets are not as well-documented as his golf or casino gambling, his enthusiasm for sports betting is widely known. His general gambling habits came to light in the early 1990s, with reports suggesting he would bet on nearly any sport he followed.

One story from 1993 details Jordan betting on college soccer games during a golf outing, reportedly losing $57,000.

Jordan’s personality made him a prime example of a high-stakes bettor who thrives on the adrenaline of competition, whether it’s in basketball, golf, or soccer betting. His legacy as a sports icon is equally matched by his reputation for taking risks in the betting world.

Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley, a Hall of Fame basketball player and sports commentator, has been candid about his gambling history, including soccer bets. One of his most notable soccer wagers occurred during Super Bowl LI in 2017, where Barkley bet $100,000 on the Atlanta Falcons to win.

The Falcons led 28-3 at one point, but famously lost to the New England Patriots in overtime. Barkley later shared the frustration of losing such a high-stakes bet, admitting that the thrill of betting is part of his love for sports.

Throughout his career, Barkley has been unapologetic about his gambling losses, which he estimates have totalled millions across various sports, including NFL games.

Despite these losses, his charisma and openness about gambling have made him a relatable figure for many fans. Barkley’s betting on soccer demonstrates his profound engagement with the game and willingness to take big risks.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Floyd Mayweather Jr., the undefeated boxing champion, is known for placing extravagant bets on soccer games.

Known for his flashy lifestyle, Mayweather regularly shares his betting slips on social media, showcasing his wins and losses. One of his most talked-about wagers was in 2014, when he reportedly placed a $13 million bet on the Denver Broncos to win Super Bowl XLVIII.

Unfortunately for Mayweather, the Broncos suffered a crushing 43-8 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks.

Mayweather has also placed significant wagers on regular-season NFL games, further cementing his status as a high-stakes gambler. His penchant for betting aligns with his persona of living large and taking risks.

While his losses are occasionally publicized, Mayweather often highlights his winnings, creating admiration and curiosity among fans. His soccer bets are a vital aspect of his identity as a sports enthusiast and gambler.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher may be best known for his acting career, but he has also dabbled in soccer betting as part of a larger sports betting syndicate.

In 2013, Kutcher revealed that he served as a “front man” for the syndicate, placing bets on college soccer games to avoid detection by bookmakers. This group successfully leveraged Kutcher’s celebrity status to place high-stakes wagers based on analytics and statistical models.

Kutcher claimed they achieved significant profits, highlighting his and his partners’ strategic approach to gambling. While he hasn’t publicly disclosed specific games or amounts, his focus on college soccer betting showcases his involvement in the sport at a tactical level.

Kutcher’s admission brought attention to how professional syndicates operate in the sports betting world. His role in the syndicate demonstrates his calculated, data-driven approach to gambling, distinguishing him from more casual celebrity bettors.

50 Cent

Rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent is well-known for his love of gambling, particularly soccer betting and casino games.

In 2012, he claimed to have won $500,000 betting on the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game, showcasing his confidence in his predictions.

Beyond soccer, 50 Cent enjoys various gambling activities, including blackjack and poker, and has been spotted in high-profile casinos engaging in high-stakes games.

More recently, 50 Cent has developed an interest in legal online gambling, as this website claims. He enjoys the convenience and variety of games offered on platforms accessible from anywhere.

His online gaming activities include playing poker and participating in virtual casino tournaments, which he reportedly finds as thrilling as visiting a physical casino. As 50 Cent once mentioned in interviews, he enjoys placing bets and testing his luck with interactive games that cater to his risk-taking nature.

Drake

Canadian rapper Drake is infamous for his soccer bets, which are often spotlighted alongside the so-called “Drake Curse,” in which teams or players he supports tend to lose.

One of his notable wagers occurred in 2019 when he bet $200,000 on the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the College Soccer Playoff National Championship against the Clemson Tigers. Unfortunately for Drake, Clemson dominated the game, winning 44–16. Despite his losses, Drake remains an avid bettor, regularly sharing his gambling adventures on Instagram and X.

His involvement in sports betting isn’t limited to soccer; he also bets on basketball, soccer, and combat sports.

Drake’s high-profile betting has made him a polarizing figure in the sports world, with fans often teasing him for his perceived “curse.”

Nevertheless, his passion for soccer and betting reflects his deep connection to sports and his willingness to embrace the highs and lows of gambling.

Birdman (Bryan Williams)

Rapper and record executive Birdman is no stranger to high-stakes soccer betting. In 2012, he reportedly placed a $5 million bet on the New England Patriots to defeat the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI.

This massive wager drew widespread attention, showcasing Birdman’s confidence in the Patriots. However, the Giants emerged victorious with a 21-17 win, leaving Birdman with a significant loss.

Birdman is known for his extravagant lifestyle, and his gambling habits align with his reputation for taking big risks in both business and personal endeavours.

His soccer bets often testify to his love for the game and his willingness to back his instincts with substantial sums. Despite the loss, Birdman continues to bet on sports, maintaining his status as one of the most daring celebrity gamblers.

Wayne Rooney

English soccer legend Wayne Rooney has had his share of betting controversies, including gambling on soccer.

In 2006, it was reported that Rooney lost £700,000 in two months betting on horse racing and soccer matches. His passion for betting even extended to his sport, with allegations that he placed bets on matches involving his team, Manchester United.

While Rooney has since scaled back his gambling habits, his early career was marked by substantial losses that raised questions about athletes and betting.

Despite the controversies, Rooney remains a prominent figure in soccer, both as a player and a coach.

His betting history reflects the challenges some athletes face when managing the pressures of fame and access to high-stakes gambling opportunities.

Phil Mickelson

Professional golfer Phil Mickelson has a history of sports betting, including memorable soccer bets.

In 2001, Mickelson reportedly won $560,000 wagering on the Baltimore Ravens to win Super Bowl XXXV against the New York Giants.

The Ravens delivered a decisive 34-7 victory, securing Mickelson a hefty payout. Known for his aggressive playing style on the golf course, Mickelson’s betting habits mirror his willingness to take risks.

While soccer is just one of the sports he bets on, this particular wager highlights his calculated approach to gambling.

Mickelson’s betting exploits have become part of his larger-than-life persona, blending his success in sports with his penchant for high-stakes action. His Super Bowl bet is a prime example of his confidence and ability to back his instincts.

Dana White

Dana White, president of the UFC, is known for his love of gambling, including soccer betting.

One of his most notable soccer wagers was in 2007, when he reportedly bet $1 million on the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants. Unfortunately for White, the Giants pulled off a historic upset, winning 17–14 and leaving him with a substantial loss.

Despite this setback, White continues to embrace gambling as part of his lifestyle, frequently betting on soccer, basketball, and mixed martial arts events. His enthusiasm for soccer betting reflects his competitive nature and love for high-stakes challenges.

White’s willingness to bet big mirrors his approach to business, where he consistently takes calculated risks to achieve success.