In recent years, eSports has matured into a multibillion-dollar industry that has captivated the interest of traditional athletes, including some of football’s biggest names.
From investing in teams to launching their own ventures, these stars have fully embraced eSports culture. Among the most notable examples is Mesut Özil, the former Arsenal and Real Madrid playmaker, who has gone far beyond casual gaming to establish himself as a significant figure in the eSports landscape.
Mesut Özil’s passion for gaming was well known, both during and after his footballing career. An avid gamer, Özil has often shared his enthusiasm for games such as Fortnite and FIFA with his followers. However, his involvement in eSports extends well beyond the occasional gaming session. In 2018, Özil launched his own eSports team, M10 eSports, which initially focused on competitive FIFA. His vision for M10 eSports wasn’t simply to indulge his personal love for gaming; it was about creating a competitive team capable of taking on the very best in the industry.
M10 eSports has since carved out a name for itself in the competitive FIFA circuit, recruiting talented players and participating in major tournaments. By founding M10, Özil created a platform for aspiring eSports athletes, providing them with opportunities akin to those offered by traditional football academies. His approach reflects a desire to merge the discipline of professional sports with the fast-growing appeal of eSports. Özil remains highly involved, watching streams and engaging with his players, demonstrating that his commitment goes well beyond merely lending his name to the project.
Özil is not alone in this endeavour. Sergio Agüero, the former Manchester City striker, also entered the eSports world when he launched KRÜ eSports in 2020. Agüero, a passionate gamer, began streaming on Twitch during his downtime, quickly amassing a large following. His enthusiasm naturally evolved into the formation of KRÜ eSports, which competes in games like Valorant and FIFA, establishing itself as a respected entity in the scene.
Similarly, Gareth Bale has made his mark in eSports with the creation of Ellevens Esports in 2020. Bale’s team competes in FIFA and Rocket League, among other popular titles, and quickly made a splash by qualifying for major tournaments. For Bale, eSports offered an innovative way to connect with his fanbase and transform his interest in gaming from a personal pastime into a professional pursuit.
The involvement of these footballers underscores how the boundaries between traditional sports and competitive gaming are increasingly dissolving. For Mesut Özil, eSports represents more than a commercial venture—it is a passion project that keeps him connected to a competitive arena, even after his professional football career has wound down. By creating opportunities for emerging talent, Özil and his contemporaries are contributing to the growth of eSports, nurturing the next generation of competitors.
As eSports continues to expand, the participation of renowned athletes like Özil, Agüero, and Bale adds a layer of legitimacy and mainstream appeal to the industry. Their passion for gaming and their dedication to fostering new talent are helping to push eSports forward, cementing its place as a major component of modern entertainment and competitive culture.
