1 / 10
The heavyweight boxing champion has admitted to smoking cigarettes and shisha in the past, but claims he's now focused on a healthy lifestyle.
2 / 10
The legendary Argentine footballer was known for his on-field brilliance and controversial off-field lifestyle, which included smoking cigars.
3 / 10
The French midfield maestro and current Real Madrid manager smoked during his playing career but has since quit, stating he doesn't regret it.
4 / 10
The Italian midfielder enjoys a cigarette "after a big game," according to his own admission, though he doesn't smoke regularly.
5 / 10
The former England midfielder has openly discussed his struggles with smoking, admitting to relapsing after quitting several times.
6 / 10
The enigmatic Italian striker has been spotted smoking cigarettes on numerous occasions, even during his Manchester City days.
7 / 10
The snooker legend has been open about his smoking habit, even lighting up during matches on occasion, though he has reduced his intake in recent years.
8 / 10
The Bulgarian striker, known for his nonchalant demeanor, has been seen smoking occasionally but claims it's not a regular habit.
9 / 10
The Dutch midfielder was a heavy smoker during his playing days but has successfully kicked the habit and encourages others to do the same.
10 / 10
The most decorated Olympian of all time has acknowledged experimenting with marijuana in the past, though not cigarettes specifically.
While smoking is generally not considered compatible with the intense physical demands of professional football or other sports, there have been and still are athletes who smoke or have smoked.
Here are 10 athletes who have been publicly seen or admitted to smoking in the past.