Nicotine pouches and snus have become a visible topic in professional football. A major survey published in 2024 found that around one in five professional players who responded said they were currently using snus, nicotine pouches, or both.
The research, conducted by Loughborough University and commissioned by the Professional Footballers’ Association, included players from Premier League, EFL, and Women’s Super League clubs.
The findings did not claim that all footballers use these products. Instead, they highlighted that nicotine use in football appears more common than many people assumed. Researchers also noted that the true figure could be higher because some players may be reluctant to disclose use, even in anonymous surveys.
What Are Nicotine Pouches and Snus?
These products are often mentioned together, but they are not the same thing.
| Product | Key characteristic |
| Nicotine pouches | Tobacco-free products that contain nicotine and are placed between the upper lip and gum. |
| Snus | Moist oral tobacco product that also sits between the upper lip and gum. |
In the UK, tobacco-free nicotine pouches are legal to buy, while snus is not legally sold commercially. However, it may be obtained from abroad. The products are usually discreet, require no smoking, and can be used during travel, training camps, or other situations where smoking would be impractical.
Why Some Footballers Use Them
The 2024 survey explored the reasons players gave for using these products. The most commonly reported motivations were related to perceived mental and social benefits rather than athletic performance itself.
Mental Readiness
Some players believed nicotine helped them feel more focused or mentally prepared. Improved mental readiness was reported by 29% of male users and 55% of female users who participated in the survey.
Relaxation
Many players said they used nicotine pouches or snus to help them relax, particularly after training sessions and matches. Among users, 41% of male players and 64% of female players reported relaxation as a reason for use.
Fitting In With Teammates
The social element appeared to play a major role. Many respondents said they first tried nicotine products because teammates were already using them. This was especially common among younger players who wanted to fit in with more experienced members of the squad.
Appetite Suppression
Researchers also found that some players used nicotine products to suppress appetite. While this was not among the most frequently reported reasons, it highlights how nicotine use can extend beyond recreation or relaxation.
The social aspect was particularly striking. Many players described an environment where nicotine pouches were common in dressing rooms and around training grounds. Researchers suggested that visibility among teammates may contribute to uptake among younger players.
Health Concerns
The report reviewed existing evidence on potential health risks. Researchers highlighted that snus use has been associated with increased risks of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease compared with non-smokers, although risk profiles differ from those of smoking. Strong evidence also links snus use to oral lesions.
For tobacco-free nicotine pouches, the evidence base is still developing, but they still expose users to nicotine, which is not risk-free. Nicotine can affect the cardiovascular system and can lead to dependence.
Anti-Doping and Product Quality
Another issue raised in the research was the possibility of contaminated products. If players buy nicotine products from unofficial online sellers or social media sources, there is a risk that the contents may not match the label. The report warned that contamination could potentially create anti-doping problems if prohibited substances are present.
This concern is not specific to nicotine products; it reflects a broader issue with unregulated supplements and products purchased from unreliable sources.
Famous Football Examples
The discussion around nicotine pouches and snus in football is not entirely new. Jamie Vardy wrote about using snus in his autobiography and was photographed carrying it during UEFA Euro 2016.
Former Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson also spoke publicly in 2021 about players using snus, comparing its nicotine impact to smoking several cigarettes at once. Those comments predated the 2024 survey but show that concerns about nicotine use in football have been circulating for years.
What the Survey Suggested
The researchers did not recommend simple bans as the primary solution. Instead, they argued that club bans alone had not been particularly effective. Their recommendations focused more on education, personalized support, and creating an environment where players could seek help without stigma.
Dr. Daniel Read encouraged more openness from players about the downsides of nicotine use so that younger teammates do not only see apparent short-term benefits.
The Bigger Picture
Footballers are elite athletes, but they are also people operating within strong social environments. The 2024 survey suggests that nicotine pouches and snus have become part of the culture for a significant minority of professional players. Some use them for perceived focus or relaxation, some start because teammates use them, and many later find quitting difficult.
The evidence does not show that these products are a proven performance enhancer. What it does show is that nicotine use in football is widespread enough to merit attention from clubs, medical staff, players’ unions, and researchers.