Footballers' Conspiracy Theories Range From Moon Landings to Reptilian Overlords
A roundup of footballers who have publicly espoused unusual beliefs, from questioning the moon landing to theories about shape-shifting reptiles.
Former Liverpool forward Robbie Fowler recently stated his belief that the 1969 moon landing was "bulls***," sparking a discussion about footballers and their engagement with conspiracy theories. Fowler's comments, made on his podcast with former teammate Steve McManaman, place him among a group of footballers who have publicly shared unconventional views.
Football's Conspiracy Theorists
Goalkeeper: David Icke
Considered by many as football's original conspiracy theorist, David Icke played for Coventry City's youth team and semi-professional outfit Hereford United before pivoting to sports journalism. Icke is known for his theories about interdimensional, reptilian shape-shifters, the "Babylon Brotherhood," who he claims have infiltrated global society, including figures like the late Queen Mother and members of the Rothschild family. He also believes that world events such as 9/11 and the assassination of John F. Kennedy were orchestrated by the "Illuminati." Critics have pointed to anti-Semitic undertones in his work, which Icke denies.
Right-Back: Javi Poves
Javi Poves, who had one La Liga appearance with Sporting Gijon, quit professional football in 2011, citing corruption. He later became president of lower-division club Mostoles Balompie, renaming it Flat Earth FC in 2019 to promote his belief that the Earth is flat. Poves also subscribes to theories about "chemtrails" and questions the efficacy of suncream in preventing skin cancer.
Center-Back: Dejan Lovren
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dejan Lovren shared content from David Icke on social media, expressing skepticism about the virus and vaccination. He also criticized Bill Gates, implying a conspiracy. Lovren appeared particularly swayed by theories linking COVID-19 with 5G technology for population control.
Center-Back: Sol Campbell
In May 2020, while managing Southend United, Sol Campbell questioned whether COVID-19 was a "designed mistake" that deliberately targeted certain blood groups. He shared an article noting that Black people were four times more likely to die from COVID-19, suggesting a link without scientific evidence.
Left-Back: Fabian Delph
Fabian Delph has spoken about his belief in ghosts, stating he has seen them multiple times. He recounted experiences in a hotel and his own home, describing seeing apparitions that did not seem malevolent.
Right-Midfield: Joe Cole
Joe Cole expressed skepticism about the moon landing, citing common points of doubt such as the waving flag and footprints. He stated a desire to sit down with Neil Armstrong to be convinced of the mission's authenticity, emphasizing his openness to new ideas.
Center-Midfield: Marcos Llorente
Marcos Llorente advocates for the benefits of natural sunlight, wearing blue light-blocking glasses and avoiding artificial light after dark. He dismisses the link between sun exposure and skin cancer, promoting gradual melanin build-up and using clothing for protection. Llorente has also questioned established medical views on cholesterol.
Center-Midfield: Matt Le Tissier
Matt Le Tissier has raised concerns about vaccine efficacy and portrayed "big pharma" negatively. In 2022, he was removed from his role as Southampton ambassador for promoting Russian disinformation regarding the Bucha massacre. Le Tissier has also questioned "chemtrails," dismissing explanations about atmospheric conditions as "government propaganda."
Left-Midfield: David Cotterill
David Cotterill faced backlash in 2022 for suggesting "false flag events" and "crisis actors" were used to manipulate public opinion following a school shooting in Texas. He also implied that COVID-19 vaccine side effects were linked to the cardiac issues that led to Enock Mwepu's retirement. Cotterill supports Matt Le Tissier's views and believes in the discredited Pizzagate conspiracy and the significance of the number 33 in Freemasonry.
Striker: Rickie Lambert
Rickie Lambert has expressed skepticism about COVID-19 vaccines and holds unusual beliefs about water's molecular structure responding to positive or negative speech. He is also an opponent of "15-minute cities," viewing them as a government scheme for control and surveillance.
Striker: Robbie Fowler
Robbie Fowler reiterated his suspicion about the moon landing, suggesting it was a race between the U.S. and the USSR where the U.S. appeared to have suddenly gained an advantage. He found the narrative "a bit far-fetched" and expressed doubt about its authenticity.