Music as we know, is a form of inspiration that knows no boundaries. In times of happiness or depression, one can always count on music to find comfort. It is a form of expression that brings joy to everyone’s heart.And just like every other normal person, footballers are also touched and affected in their daily lives by music. Images of players traveling on their touring buses with headphones on or walking into their locker rooms listening to their favourite musicians ahead of a game are something we are familiar with.But do you have an idea of the artists that inspire your footballing heroes? Take a look at 10 famous footballers and their favourite musicians.
#1 Victor Valdes
Rumour has it that former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola used to Coldplay on the team bus to get his team pumped up. Bizarrely, it must have worked. In typical keeper style, however, Victor Valdes likes his tuneage a tad heavier. AC/DC are his favourite band ever while Guns N’ Roses comes a close second.
In related Valdes news, in 2010 the keeper had a song written about him called ‘Victor Valdés (el numero uno)’ by Spanish soft rocker Joaquin.
#2 Marco Reus
Marco Reus is undoubtedly one of the best talents in the modern game. The German international has won over many fans with his performances for both club and country. But his musical taste may divide opinions among many.
Reus has stated that he mainly likes R&B and hip-hop music. And his favourite artist is Canadian singer Justin Bieber. One of his teammates also revealed that he listens to Bieber’s songs before any game.
#3 David De Gea
The young Spaniard has displayed a spectacular rise in his career and became the deserving heir to Iker Casillas’ throne in the Spanish national team. But apart from his impressive performances in goal, De Gea also has a unique taste in music different from his teammates.
Indeed, the 24-year-old is a huge fan of heavy metal music.
In an interview published on Manchester United’s official website, he was quoted saying: “I like metal and rock bands like Avenged Sevenfold and Metallica. When I put it on in the dressing room, everyone moans!
“Most of the other players are into hip-hop. I also love The Stone Roses’ This Is The One – the song we come out to at Old Trafford – it gives me a big lift for the game.”
#4 Mario Gotze
Mario Gotze is comparatively younger when compared to his compatriots in the national team. The 22-year-old won the World Cup with Germany, scoring the decisive goal in the final, which is arguably the biggest goal of his career.
But was that goal inspired by Justin Bieber?
It is very likely given the fact that Gotze listens to Canadian multi-platinum record selling artist Justin Bieber. The midfielder has admitted previously that he and his best friend Marco Reus listen to Bieber’s songs before almost every game.
He also has a knack for Snoop Dog, Lil' Wayne and The Black Eyed Peas.
#5 Wayne Rooney
Have you ever seen the tattoo “Just Enough Education to Perform” on Wayne Rooney’s arm? It’s not just any other tattoo. It represents Ronney’s love for the Welsh rock band Stereophonics.
The United forward has been also touched by artists like Arctic Monkeys, Bruce Springsteen, Cat Stevens and more.
#6 Andres Iniesta
Barcelona midfielder Iniesta is a big fan of English Rock band Kasabian. The Spanish international is so inspired by their music that he invited them for a night in Barcelona.
He has also expressed his admiration for the group some time back in 2010, stating that their song Club Foot has inspired the entire team in the locker room.
“They can come and stay at my house so I can show them my World Cup medal and we can have a couple of beers round my pool,” Iniesta had said. “Greatest band in the world!
“On behalf of Spain, I want to say thank you. Not just thank you, we love you!”
#7 Neymar
The land of the Samba is known for its flair and cheerfulness and Brazil players have the reputation of being extra enthusiastic characters. And Brazilian wonder kid Neymar is no exception.
The Barcelona attacker is a huge fan of his country’s traditional music. Not long ago in 2011, Neymar, while he was still playing at Santos, was caught in the locker room on video singing and dancing to the tune of Michel Telo's hit Ai Se Eu Te Pego.
And later in April 2013, he was also seen singing Brazilian singer Luan Santana's Te Esperando.
#8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
One of the most complex characters of the game and certainly a versatile one who is known for his wide range of skills on the footballing pitch, Zlatan Ibrahimovic also possesses a broad taste in music off the pitch.
The mercurial Swedish forward listens to many genres including rap, rock, hip-hop and reggae. He is a massive fan of fellow countryman rapper Timbuktu besides Ivorian singer Alpha Bondy.
Zlatan’s favourite genre out of all is reggae and he is very much hooked on to classic artists like Bob Marley and Sting. But he has admitted that he doesn’t listen to them before any game as the tunes could make him go soft on his opponents.
We wonder what that Zlatan would be like if he did.
#9 Lionel Messi
Being of Latin heritage, Lionel Messi has remained true to his culture when it comes to his fondness for music. The little magician of Barcelona is a big admirer of Cumbia which is a genre that has its roots in Colombia and Panama and is very popular in South America.
And in case you didn’t know, Messi also is a huge fan of singer Sergio Torres. Torres and Messi got acquainted back in 2006 and the two have been friends since then. The singer even wrote a song called The Eighth Wonder for the multiple-time Ballon d’Or winner.
#10 Cristiano Ronaldo
It’s no secret that Cristiano Ronaldo always craves to be the best and works hard every day to improve himself. He also likes to win awards both collectively and individually. And his taste in musicians exactly exemplifies that fact.
Ronaldo’s favourite artists are the ones who have a knack for winning Grammies and that list includes some of the iconic commercially successful artist of the ‘80s. Songs of Phil Collins, Elton John and George Michael mesmerizes the Portuguese forward.
The Real Madrid star has a preference for electronic music and listens to Swedish House Mafia and Eric Prydz. Given his Portuguese descent, he is also a fan of Brazilian music.