In the world of soccer, players' actions on and off the field are often under constant scrutiny. Recently, two prominent figures have been in the media spotlight for situations unrelated to the game: Wojciech Szczęsny and Kylian Mbappé. Both have been seen on pictures that have sparked debate about the behavior of professional footballers.
Szczęsny Celebrates by Smoking in the Locker Room
Following Barça's 4-0 victory over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu, an image of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny went viral. In the locker room, while the team was celebrating, he was seen exhaling smoke, suggesting that he was smoking. This action didn't go unnoticed and caused various reactions in public opinion.
This is not the first time Szczęsny has been involved in controversies related to smoking. During one of his spells at Arsenal, he was fined by Arsene Wenger in 2015. He'd been caught smoking in the locker room showers following a defeat to Southampton. Despite the criticism, the goalkeeper has sometimes defended his habit, arguing that it doesn't affect his performance on the field.
Mbappé and the Hookah: a Controversial Image
On the other hand, Kylian Mbappé, the Real Madrid star, has also been in the media spotlight. Recently, a photograph was released in which he appears alongside his teammate Achraf Hakimi and goalkeeper Arnau Tenas, with a hookah visible in the background. Although Kylian Mbappé is not seen smoking directly, the presence of the hookah has sparked speculation. People are now debating on the behavior of footballers outside of the field.
It is important to note that the use of hookahs in sports has been debated. It is believed to have possible negative effects on health and physical performance. There's no evidence that Kylian Mbappé has used the hookah. Still, the image has been enough to spark comments and divided opinions between fans and experts.
Reactions and Public Debate
The images of Szczęsny and Mbappé have reignited debate over the responsibilities and behavior of professional footballers. Some argue that, as public figures and role models, they should be aware of the implications of their actions. Others argue that, outside of sport, they have a right to privacy and to make personal decisions.