Premier League and Formula 1 Stars Who Can’t Get Enough of Counter-Strike From footballers like Mudryk and Zinchenko to F1 drivers Lando Norris and Zhou Guanyu, Counter-Strike has become the ultimate crossover obsession among pro athletes

Counter-Strike continues to break boundaries — not just in esports, but across the sporting world. While CS2 dominates Twitch and tournament arenas, some of the game’s biggest fans aren’t professional players at all. Instead, they’re elite athletes from the Premier League and Formula 1 who have brought their competitive drive from the real world into the digital one.

Here’s a closer look at the footballers and racers who can’t stay away from Valve’s tactical shooter.

⚽ Premier League Players in the Server

Mykhailo Mudryk – Chelsea FC

Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk has caught the attention of the Counter-Strike community after fans uncovered his alleged Faceit account, reportedly sitting at Level 10 with over 2200 Elo.

Despite a current suspension following doping allegations, Mudryk appears to be making the most of his downtime by grinding CS2. His account shows dozens of matches this month, and at that skill level, it’s clear he’s no casual player.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – Arsenal FC

Mudryk isn’t the only Ukrainian footballer with CS roots. Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko is a lifelong Counter-Strike fan and the founder of Passion UA, an esports organization that recently shifted from Ukrainian rosters to acquire Complexity’s North American lineup — a move fans jokingly dubbed “Passion NA.”

Zinchenko has even played professionally, once standing in for his own team during a match against Bleed and holding his own with a 22–26 scoreline. Off the pitch, he’s been spotted gaming alongside teammate Gabriel Jesus, proving his love for the game runs deep.

Casemiro – Manchester United

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has turned his gaming hobby into a business. He owns Case Esports, which has fielded rosters in Counter-Strike, Valorant, and League of Legends.

Although Case Esports no longer competes in CS2, Casemiro himself is known for having an incredibly rare and expensive in-game skin collection, including an AWP Gungnir and M4A1 Howl — together worth thousands.

David De Gea – Former Manchester United Goalkeeper

Ex-United keeper David De Gea has also entered the esports scene with Rebels Gaming, a team that’s competed in Tier 2 European CS2 tournaments.

The team recently qualified for the EU RMR for the Shanghai Major, narrowly missing out on a spot in the main event. De Gea frequently celebrates his team’s victories on social media, showing his genuine passion for the scene.

Neal Maupay – Former Brighton & Everton Striker

Former Premier League forward Neal Maupay may have returned to Ligue 1, but his love for Counter-Strike is still strong. In 2024, he appeared at the BLAST Premier Finals in London, where he presented French pro Dan “apEX” Madesclaire with a custom jersey — a gesture that solidified his place as one of football’s most visible CS fans.

Neymar Jr – Al Hilal / Brazil

One of the world’s most famous footballers, Neymar Jr, has long been open about his love for Counter-Strike. He’s streamed the game, supported FURIA Esports for years, and even serves as the president of FURIA’s Kings League Brazil team.

He’s attended multiple tournaments, befriended top players, and even showcased serious aim on stream — proving that his competitive instincts extend well beyond the football pitch.

🏎️ Formula 1 Drivers Join the Action

Lando Norris – McLaren F1 Team

McLaren driver Lando Norris recently caused a stir in the CS community when he shared a highlight of Spirit’s young prodigy donk on his Instagram story. But this wasn’t a one-off — Norris has a deep history in gaming and esports.

Through his brand Quadrant, Norris previously invested in Rocket League and Halo before shifting toward content and motorsport culture. He’s also a known fan of CS content creators like OhnePixel and Arrow, and even appeared in Twitch chats during the Thunderpick World Championship 2025 — all while competing at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, where he went on to finish second.

Zhou Guanyu – Ferrari Reserve Driver

Chinese F1 driver Zhou Guanyu has proudly represented the Counter-Strike community on the global stage. He participated in a showmatch for the CS2 Perfect World Shanghai Major, teaming up with pros and celebrities alike.

Zhou even revealed his dream roster, picking m0NESY, NiKo, jks, Twistzz, and cadiaN — a lineup that shows he’s got a serious understanding of the current CS2 meta.

🕹️ The Crossover Between Sports and Esports

The growing list of professional athletes embracing Counter-Strike highlights how far esports has come. For stars like Mudryk, Zinchenko, and Lando Norris, CS2 isn’t just a game — it’s an outlet for their competitive spirit and love of precision, teamwork, and strategy.

Whether it’s running a team, streaming matches, or just grinding ranked games after practice, these athletes prove that the worlds of traditional sports and esports are more connected than ever.