Footballers who can speak many languages?
Well before you start saying that, that can’t be the case.
There are some footballers who have skills that stretch to off the pitch too.
So in this post we are going to explore not only 11 different footballers who speak many languages.
But also go into why players are able to speak them, along with other questions you may have.
Without further ado lets get right into it
Table of Contents
Which Footballers Can Speak Many Languages?
Football transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, creating a global tapestry of diverse players.
In this context, many footballers have honed their linguistic skills along with their sporting prowess.
Let’s discover some of these polyglot players who have mastered the art of multiple languages:
1. Achraf Hakimi – PSG
Fresh off another successful campaign winning the Ligue 1 title and reaching the semi-finals with Morocco, Achraf Hakimi is someone who boasts many languages in his arsenal.
The recently divorced footballer can speak an impressive 4 languages, including Spanish, French, English and Arabic.
This could be thanks to how well traveled the player is already in his career, with time in Spain with Real Madrid in which he made his mark and of course his current club now PSG in which he speaks French.
| Language | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| English | Fluent |
| Spanish | Native |
| French | Conversational |
| German | Intermediate |
| Italian | Basic |
2. Romelu Lukaku – Chelsea
30-year-old Belgian, Romelu Lukaku is another smart player on the list, being a footballer who can speak many languages.
It seems as though no matter what team he plays for the frontman has clearly done the research before hand to learn the native language of the club hes playing for.
With him collecting languages like there medals, he can converse in Dutch, French, English, Portuguese, Spanish, and even a bit of German. Which only reflects his diverse football journey aswell as dedication of the field.
| Language | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| English | Fluent |
| Spanish | Native |
| French | Conversational |
| German | Intermediate |
| Italian | Basic |
3. Paul Pogba – Juventus
While Paul Pogba hasn’t had a fun time of late in football, mostly hugging the sidelines. The Frenchman has at least now got some time to build on all the languages he currently speaks.
Speaking his mother tongue of French, the midfield maestro can also speak English, Spanish, and Italian.
| Language | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| English | Fluent |
| Spanish | Native |
| French | Conversational |
| German | Intermediate |
| Italian | Basic |
4. Henrikh Mkhitaryan:
Armenian international Henrikh Mkhitaryan, currently playing for Inter Milan is another player who can speak many different languages.
Boasting one of the widest ranges of languages you will see in a footballer, the attacking midfielder can speak Armenian, German, English, Italian, French, Russian and Portugease.
| Language | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| Armenian | Native |
| Russian | Fluent |
| German | Conversational |
| English | Conversational |
| Italian | Basic |
5. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al Nassr
Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo adds linguistic prowess to his vast list of skills. He fluently speaks Portuguese, Spanish, and English. His quick adaptation to different leagues is testimony to his linguistic capabilities.
| Language | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| English | Fluent |
| Spanish | Native |
| French | Conversational |
| German | Intermediate |
| Italian | Basic |
6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Retired
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not only renowned for his footballing skills and memorable quotes but also his language abilities. He is fluent in Swedish, Bosnian, English, Spanish, and Italian, reflecting his vibrant football journey.
| Language | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| English | Fluent |
| Spanish | Native |
| French | Conversational |
| German | Intermediate |
| Italian | Basic |
7. Mesut Ozil – Retired
Mesut Ozil: Former Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, of Turkish descent, is skilled in German, English, Spanish, and Turkish. His multicultural upbringing and professional journey contributed to his multilingualism.
| Language | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| English | Fluent |
| Spanish | Native |
| French | Conversational |
| German | Intermediate |
| Italian | Basic |
8. Pepe Reina – Villarael
Pepe Reina: Veteran goalkeeper Pepe Reina, with a career spanning several countries, is fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian. His linguistic skills surely helped him adapt quickly in various leagues.
| Language | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| English | Fluent |
| Spanish | Native |
| French | Conversational |
| German | Intermediate |
| Italian | Basic |
9. Ivan Perisic – Tottenham Hotspur
When I stumbled across a interview of Ivan Perisic speaking very good English it got me by suprise.
Especially when this interview took place during his time at Bayern Munich before he had even touched ground in England.
However after doing some research on him, it seems like I really shouldn’t off, since the full back/winger can also speak German, Italian and Croatian his mother tongue.
Mastering the languages, while playing for Inter Milan, Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich.
| Language | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| English | Fluent |
| Spanish | Native |
| French | Conversational |
| German | Intermediate |
| Italian | Basic |
10. Dejan Lovren – Lyon
One thing we can expect from all Croatians is very good language skills.
As ex-Liverpool player Dejan Lovren has also honed his language skills, being able to converse in German, English, French and of course Croatian.
| Language | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| English | Fluent |
| Spanish | Native |
| French | Conversational |
| German | Intermediate |
| Italian | Basic |
11. Kevin De-Bruyne – Manchester City
Famous for being caught saying ‘Let me talk’ on camera, the Belgian number 10 is one for talking in a number of languages.
From English, which makes sense with him playing for Manchester City since 2015, the assist king can also speak Dutch, French and German.
Just when you thought he could do it all on the pitch, he can seemingly do it all off the pitch.
| Language | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| English | Fluent |
| Spanish | Native |
| French | Conversational |
| German | Intermediate |
| Italian | Basic |
Benefits of footballers who can speak any language
Now has you can there are some top footballers who speak many languages, which only makes you ask why is that?
Well firstly the English language is so prevalent around alot of europe, with most footballers especially young ones being taught in school.
It therefore means that many players grow up with a basic understanding of it, along with learning there native language.
But as for the others well there are so many reasons.
Which go as follows:
- Communication Bridge – Learning languages is a useful tool when trying to integrate yourself into a new team. With players especially around Europe constantly moving countries, after being brought or sold, it means they need to then adjust to a new language. So if a player already speaks multiple languages it makes this transition even easier.
- Teamwork Booster – The best way to boost a connection with teammates, is by being able to communicate better with each other, if all players can speak the language to a good level, it promotes more togetherness instead of any cliques.
- Global Fan Connection – While the likes of Lionel Messi has seemingly got a way with it, for many footballers not being able top speak many languages is not good enough. If you take Gabriel Jesus for e.g a South American player who came to England knowing no English however is now fluent.
- Diverse Sponsorship Opportunities – If you want to connect with brands around the world, and earn the dollars that footballers are associated with, then learning multiple languages help with that. A brand is more likely to work with a player who speaks the language of where they are marketing too, compared to if they didn’t.
Challenges faced by footballers in learning new languages
Unfortunately not all footballers get the same head start when it comes to languages.
If you take the South American region for example, English isn’t commonly taught in schools.
Compared to how it is around alot of europe.
Has a result alot of footballers struggle with the language barrier when moving to clubs that have no spanish/portugease speaking.
Maybe this is the case why we are still waiting for the likes of Neymar Jr to come to the Premier League.
But lets not forget those that cultaral variances can also be daunting too.
When it comes to footballers moving to places there not familiar with.
For these players its not just adapting to the language.
But its also being able to collaborate well on the field, comprehend tactics, talk to there teammates and coaches without any issues.
Language barriers make it hard to fit in and form relationships.
Not just within the team.
But outside of the team.
I certainly know that if I moved to a country that didnt speak English I would struggle myself.
So you can only imagine what its like for many footballers who have to leap over these hurdles.
At this point your probably starting to see how haveing multiple languages can be a plus for footballers when moving to different clubs or leagues around the world.
Not only does it boost It boosts their versatility.
But it will also help them bond with supporters from diverse backgrounds.
So, language learning not only fosters personal growth, but also aids in constructing a successful career in professional football.
Tips for footballers to learn a new language
Being someone who has tried to speak Swedish and found it a struggle.
I know first hand how difficult it is to all of a sudden put your language to one side.
In order to master another language instead.
However doing so is going to give you a massive edge, especially if your looking to become a professional footballer.
You will be able to know how to speak that will boost all types of communication on and off the pitch.
Giving you more opportunities to bond with fans and understand different cultures.
Now being the language expert pro that I am, I have come up with a few tips to help you out.
- Immerse yourself: Get lots of exposure to native speakers by watching movies, listening to music or joining local language groups. You will be surprised how big of a effect simply switching the language of your favourite Netflix show can do to your pronunciation and vocab.
- Practice consistently: Don’t slack off, while learning. This isn’t going to be a quick pick up, nor is it going to be a case of learning intensively for a short time span. Its a commitment and a gradual process of gradually building your language skills up.
- Set achievable goals: One mistake some footballers could make is trying to do to much at once. Take it easy and try to enjoy the process, starting from the beginning.
Footballers can also get extra help with their language learning. Some hire tutors or take courses designed for athletes, which teach football-related words and phrases.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Use them as learning experiences and keep practicing until you’re fluent. Even the biggest stars had to start somewhere!
By putting these tips into practice, footballers can become adept at speaking any language they choose. So why wait? Start your language-learning journey now!
Conclusion
So there you have it from the likes of Hakimi to polyglot gods such as Mkhitaryan, there are plenty of footballers who can speak many languages.
The impressive skill sets they they display, shows an incredible amount of dedication to putting in the time off the pitch to learn languages and therefore gain a closer connection.
Not just to teammates and coaches.
But fans from around the world.
Learning a language isn’t the easy task to do.
Just ask me, I spent years trying to do a fellow Germanic language.
And still haven’t grasped it.
However its not only possible.
But also very beneficial for anyone who is trying to become a footballer at a high level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the advantage of footballers who can speak any language?
A: Footballers who can speak any language have an advantage in international competitions as they can communicate effectively with teammates from different countries, enhancing team coordination and understanding on the field.
Q: How do footballers learn to speak different languages?
A: Footballers often learn different languages through language courses, immersion programs, or by interacting with teammates and coaches from different countries. Many clubs also provide language lessons to help players adapt to their new environment.
Q: Can being multilingual help footballers in their career?
A: Yes, being multilingual can significantly benefit footballers in their career. It opens up opportunities to play for clubs in different countries, facilitates better communication with coaches and teammates, and helps them adapt to new cultures more easily.
Q: Are there any famous footballers who can speak multiple languages?
A: Yes, there are several famous footballers who are multilingual. Examples include Cristiano Ronaldo, who speaks Portuguese, Spanish, and English, and Lionel Messi, who is fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian, among others.
Q: How does speaking multiple languages improve a footballer’s marketability?
A: Speaking multiple languages improves a footballer’s marketability as they become more appealing to clubs around the world. They can effectively communicate with fans, media, and sponsors from different countries, expanding their global reach and endorsement opportunities.
Q: Can language skills impact a footballer’s relationship with fans?
A: Yes, language skills can have a significant impact on a footballer’s relationship with fans. By speaking multiple languages, footballers can connect with fans from different countries, understand their support, and express gratitude, fostering a stronger bond between players and their supporters.
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