Enjoy your summer 🏖️ Here are some places footballers go for vacation

The life of a professional footballer is one of undeniable glamour. The world's leading football players head to the four corners of the Earth when they jet off on their summer holidays. And wherever they go, they expect the very best. For those who work in the exclusive corner of the travel industry dedicated to meeting the needs of superstar footballers, it is a case of sparing no expense and pulling out every stop.

Lionel Messi – Ibiza

In many ways, Lionel Messi is something of a creature of habit. After joining Barcelona’s youth team in 2001, the Argentine has since spent the entirety of his professional career at the Camp Nou. The same can also be said for his holiday preferences. Typically, the 34-year-old stays in Spain, spending numerous holidays in Formentera, Ibiza, and Sitges. Of those, however, Tribuna state that Messi is a great admirer of Ibiza.

In July 2020, the Argentine spent time on a yacht with his family and former Barcelona teammate, Luis Suarez. The Mediterranean Sea provides the ideal environment for Messi to relax ahead of challenging La Liga fixtures and Champions League contests. Given the popularity of knockout football, Barcelona will be pleased to have the Argentine well-rested ahead of the upcoming European tournament. This appeal is reflected in the emergence of popular online slots, such as Football: Champions Cup, which can be found at Betsson casino. The five-reel slot takes inspiration from the World Cup and provides prospective players with an immersive football-themed experience.

Alexis Sanchez – Marbella

Having made a name for himself at Udinese and Barcelona between 2006 and 2014, Chile’s Alexis Sanchez swapped Spain for the Premier League for six years. After playing for both Arsenal and Manchester United, the 31-year-old transferred to Italy to join Inter Milan in 2020. Based on the winger’s holiday destination, however, it’s fair to say that he must have fond memories of his time in Spain.

According to a report from the Telegraph, the Chilean travelled to Marbella after Arsenal clinched their 13th FA Cup at the end of the 2016-17 season. Sanchez was pictured on a yacht with numerous people, as well as his golden retriever dogs. Located in southern Spain, the city on the Costa del Sol has long been a popular holiday destination among tourists. Known for its beaches and nightlife, Marbella has everything that a top-flight footballer needs to recover from a long season.

Cristiano Ronaldo – French Riviera

Much like Sanchez, Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo also enjoys spending the off-season at sea. In the past, the Portuguese striker often went to Las Vegas during his break from football. However, he has since swapped the entertainment capital of the world for something more relaxing. As per the Metro, the 36-year-old and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, spent their summer on a superyacht in the French Riviera with their son and Ronaldo’s three other children.

Given his profile as a global superstar, it’s hardly surprising that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner seeks to spend the off-season off the coast of Saint-Tropez. Famous for its tranquillity and picturesque beaches, Ronaldo is unlikely to be the last professional football to take advantage of the French town’s peaceful nature.

Wayne Rooney – Greece

In 2017 Rooney kicked off the summer and hit the beach in Barbados with wife Coleen and the couple's two boys, as well as Coleen's parents.

A few weeks later Wayne and Coleen spent some quality time together, this time on a romantic getaway to Mykonos, Greece.

Next on the itinerary? A trip to the stunning Lake Como, Italy, where the couple joined a host of friends for Chris Smalling's wedding to Sam Cooke.

Alli, Grealish, Sancho & Maddison - Ibiza

In 2020, while some holidaymakers are shunning Spain after a spike in coronavirus cases, Dele Alli, Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho and James Maddison are lapping up the attention in Ibiza.

Spurs star Alli and Aston Villa hero Grealish were seen enjoying a couple of cold drinks with their female companions.

While Alli and Maddison were spied hanging out at O Beach Club a previous evening.

Separately, Sancho was seen enjoying time on a yacht with a mystery brunette.

The Manchester United target also wasn't slacking on his fitness, running shirtless and pumping some iron during his trip.

Ronaldo – Spain

The Brazilian legend has been soaking up the sun with his girlfriend Celina Locks on a yacht in Spain.

They are enjoying the delights of Formentera, the smallest of the Balearic islands.

And Ronaldo, who hung up his boots in 2011 after suffering with hypothyroidism, looked healthier than ever in his swimming shorts thanks to a new fitness regime.

He even took time to make a splash in the sea.

JOHN TERRY - Portugal

With his favourite holiday destination Dubai probably being too hot right now, JT and his missus Toni jetted off to Portugal.

And they did it in some style, evading the travel ban by taking a private jet to the Algarve with a glass of champagne in hand.

They romantically drank wine and enjoyed the sunset at Maria's Restaurant & Beach.

A Sea-Orientated Pattern

Although each of the above footballers like to enjoy their free time unwinding in different locations, it seems fair to say that yacht-based vacations have taken the football world by storm. From the coast of France to Spanish waters, famous players are arguably spending more of their time than ever before out at sea and away from the general public in their efforts to escape superstardom.