Professional soccer players are revealing a hidden struggle with sleeping pills, which has the potential to disrupt their lives in ways they never imagined. The New York Times reports on a disturbing trend where players, seeking relief after grueling matches or managing pain, have become hooked on easily accessible sleeping pills. This issue is not just about the pills themselves, but the impact they have on players' health, relationships, and performance.
One striking example is Omar Bogle, a striker for Crewe Alexandra, who found himself dependent on sleeping pills and painkillers after a back injury in 2024. By early 2025, he was consuming '18 or 19' pills per night, leading to blackouts and memory lapses. Bogle's story is not an isolated incident. Former Manchester United player Darron Gibson has spoken about taking up to 14 sleeping pills a night, while former England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has described becoming reliant on the pills while playing in Turkey. Arsenal's Christian Norgaard and former Spurs midfielder Dele Alli have also acknowledged using the drugs to cope with stress and trauma, or to improve their pre-match sleep.
The accessibility of these pills is a major concern. They are legal and, according to sleep experts, are 'being handed out like candy'. This easy availability, combined with the relentless schedules, late-night matches, injuries, and travel that soccer players endure, creates a perfect storm for addiction. However, the consequences are severe. Sleeping pills can be addictive, impair recovery, increase injury risk, and fail to provide the deep, restorative sleep athletes need.
Bogle's experience in rehab highlights the potential for these pills to turn from a 'friend' to an enemy. The issue is not just about the pills themselves, but the underlying problems they address. Soccer players are under immense pressure, and the sport's culture of pushing through pain and fatigue can lead to self-medication. This trend raises important questions about the well-being of athletes and the need for better support systems.
As the sport continues to evolve, it is crucial to address this growing concern. The health and safety of players should be a top priority, and the sport must take proactive steps to ensure that athletes receive the care and support they need. The future of soccer may depend on it.
