Snus and Footballers: A Cultural Shift in Modern Football
Football has long influenced culture beyond the pitch, shaping trends and habits among players. One such habit that has gained increasing attention is the use of white snus or nicotine pouches in football. Initially popular in Scandinavia, these products have now become a common feature in locker rooms and training facilities across European leagues.
While snus and nicotine pouches are sometimes associated with stress relief, focus, or relaxation, their increasing prevalence among footballers has sparked discussions about their role in the sport. As football evolves, so do the habits of its players, making this a relevant and evolving topic in modern sports culture.
This article examines the factors that have led to the rise of snus and nicotine pouches in football, their impact on player habits, and the debates surrounding their regulation and performance effects.
The History of Snus in Football
The presence of snus in football is not a recent development. Scandinavian players introduced the product to leagues outside their home countries, influencing teammates and football culture. Henrik Larsson, the legendary Swedish forward, revealed that he used snus during the 1994 World Cup, illustrating how deeply embedded it was in Scandinavian football traditions.
More recently, Victor Lindelöf has been open about his use of snus, further normalising its presence. Additionally, the Tottenham Hotspur: All or Nothing documentary captured a moment where a can of snus appeared beside a physio table, showcasing its integration into modern football routines.
Furthermore, football managers such as Neil Lennon have been seen using snus on the side-lines, highlighting its prevalence beyond just players.
Nicotine pouches have gained traction among footballers as a discreet alternative for managing the high-pressure demands of professional sports. Over the years, players have increasingly turned to these products for relaxation and focus.
From Smoking to Snus: Changing Habits in Football
On the Fozcast podcast, snus was described as “a common sight” in football today. Ben Foster, a former Premier League goalkeeper and host of the show, estimated that “maybe as much as 50% of players use snus.” Foster explained that many view it as a preferable option to cigarettes and other vices, “I don’t think there’s an issue with it, it’s a lesser evil than turning to some of the harder alternatives like smoking or alcohol.”
Micah Richards, former Premier League defender, discussed on The Rest is Football podcast how smoking was once common in dressing rooms. “It was madness. I would go to say a prayer in the toilet before a game,” Richards recalled, “and I’d see cigarette smoke filtering over the stalls.”
As awareness of smoking’s effects grew, footballers and snus became linked as an alternative. Richards noted that players now use snus to focus and calm their nerves before matches, especially high-stakes games, to relax without the smell or stigma of smoking.
Similarly, Jamie Vardy also shared details about his use of snus in his autobiography, explaining that it helped him relax.
Nicotine and Sporting Performance
As some football players, like Micah Richards, have speculated about the role of nicotine in relaxation and focus. Scientific studies have examined its effects in different sports, including baseball and archery.
According to research, nicotine has been found to have potential cognitive and endurance benefits in athletic performance. A study published in PMC found that nicotine consumption by baseball players enhanced motor reaction times, cognitive function, and hitting performance (Acute Effects of Nicotine on Physiological Responses and Sport Performance, PMC). Similar research in archery athletes concluded that nicotine supplementation improved simulated game performance (Nicotine Supplementation Enhances Simulated Game Performance of Archery Athletes, PMC).
The endurance benefits of nicotine have also been studied extensively. A 2006 study published in Experimental Physiology found that nicotine administration during moderate-intensity exercise improved endurance by 17%, similar to the effects of caffeine supplementation (Effect of Transdermal Nicotine Administration on Exercise Endurance in Men, Experimental Physiology, Wiley Online Library).
Interestingly, the study noted that nicotine prolonged endurance without affecting typical performance markers such as heart rate or ventilation, suggesting that its effects may be related to central nervous system activation.
On the other hand, nicotine’s impact on withdrawal symptoms has also been explored. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that short-term nicotine withdrawal negatively impacts sports performance, whereas mid-to-long-term withdrawal improved exercise-related abilities (The Effects of Nicotine Withdrawal on Exercise-Related Physical Ability and Sports Performance, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis). This raises interesting questions about how athletes who regularly use nicotine pouches might be affected if they suddenly stop.
While some studies suggest that nicotine may influence endurance and cognitive performance, its effects are highly dependent on individual factors such as tolerance, method of intake, age, gender and overall health.
Although not classified as a performance-enhancing drug, research indicates that nicotine may play a role in cognitive and physical performance in sports. However, its use remains a topic of debate in football, with clubs and governing bodies assessing potential benefits alongside the need for responsible use and regulation.
Nicotine Use in Women’s Football: Following the Same Path?
Nicotine pouches are not just a trend among male footballers; they are increasingly prevalent in women’s football as well. According to a study commissioned by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and conducted by Loughborough University, 22% of Women’s Super League players reported using snus or nicotine pouches, compared to 18% of male players surveyed from the Premier League and EFL clubs. The purpose of the study was to understand the use of these products within professional football, highlighting the factors driving their popularity and the challenges players face in managing their use.
The research revealed that female players often perceive specific benefits from using nicotine products. Improved mental readiness was cited by 55% of women, compared to 29% of men, as a key advantage, while 64% of women highlighted relaxation after games or training as a primary reason for their use. These findings suggest that female players are leveraging nicotine pouches not only to address physical demands but also to cope with the intense mental pressures of elite sport.
Snus vs. Nicotine Pouches: Understanding the Difference
Although the terms snus and nicotine pouches are often used interchangeably, they are distinct products. Traditional snus contains tobacco and is banned for sale in the EU (except Sweden) and the UK under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. However, personal use of snus is not illegal.
Nicotine pouches, on the other hand, are tobacco-free and legally available for adult users in the UK. These pouches deliver nicotine in a similar way to snus but without tobacco content, making them a more widely accepted option in markets where tobacco-containing snus is prohibited. Currently, there is no UK regulation on nicotine pouch strength or availability, but the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, could introduce new measures in the future.
Research suggests that athletes may prefer nicotine pouches due to their potential cognitive and endurance-enhancing effects while avoiding the regulatory restrictions placed on tobacco products (Experimental Physiology, Wiley Online Library, 2006).
As discussions continue regarding the role of nicotine products in professional sports, the distinction between snus and nicotine pouches remains important, particularly in regions where regulations differ. Football clubs and governing bodies continue to assess how best to educate players on responsible use while ensuring compliance with existing and emerging regulations.
Conclusion
As football continues to evolve, so too do the habits of its players. The widespread use of snus and nicotine pouches by footballers underscores how professional athletes navigate the demands of the modern game, blending tradition, science, and personal choice. The increasing use of snus and nicotine pouches in football reflects changing player habits and cultural shifts within the sport. Once associated with smoking, nicotine consumption has evolved toward tobacco-free alternatives, valued for their discreet nature and potential benefits.
As debates continue around their place in professional football, the presence of snus and nicotine pouches in locker rooms and training facilities remains a reality, influenced by player preferences, team cultures, and evolving regulations.
