Indian athletes often juggle two roles — they’re not only stars in their own sports but also devoted fans of others. Whether it’s cricket legends or wrestling champions, these athletes have their favorite teams that they passionately cheer for, just like any other sports fan.
Many stick with the teams they’ve loved since childhood, while some discover new favorites over time. Their reasons for supporting certain teams are often fascinating, ranging from admiration for individual players to personal ties with particular cities or countries.
This enthusiasm from top athletes often spreads to their fans. Many sports lovers find themselves gravitating toward the same teams and matches that their idols support, creating a sense of connection, as if they’re experiencing the games alongside their heroes.
Interestingly, betting exchange analysts have noticed a reflection of this in betting trends. Whenever a popular athlete publicly backs a team, there’s often a spike in interest for that team or match. It’s a clear example of how these sports icons can influence fan behavior, even when they’re not on the field themselves.
Ultimately, the love these athletes show for sports beyond their own proves their genuine passion for all kinds of athletics. It’s a reminder that at their core, they’re still fans—eager to witness great performances and enjoy thrilling contests, just like the rest of us.
Indian Athletes and Their Football Allegiances
Many of India’s top sports stars aren’t just amazing at their own games – they’re also huge football fans! It’s pretty cool to see how these athletes, who are already legends in cricket or badminton or other sports, get so excited about football teams from around the world and right here in India.
| Athlete | Sport | Football Teams Supported | Notes |
| Virat Kohli | Cricket | Real Madrid, FC Goa (ISL) | Kohli is a co-owner of FC Goa and an avid fan of Real Madrid |
| MS Dhoni | Cricket | Manchester United, Chennaiyin FC (ISL) | Dhoni is a co-owner of Chennaiyin FC and a devout Manchester United supporter |
| Sania Mirza | Tennis | Real Madrid | Mirza is an enthusiastic Real Madrid fan |
| Sunil Chhetri | Football | FC Barcelona, Bengaluru FC (ISL) | Chhetri captains Bengaluru FC and supports FC Barcelona |
| Saina Nehwal | Badminton | Manchester United | Nehwal is a passionate Manchester United supporter |
This crossover between different sports is making the whole sports scene in India more exciting. Fans are discovering new teams to cheer for, and it’s all because their sports heroes are sharing their passion for football.
Whether it’s a cricketer who can’t stop talking about Manchester United or a wrestler who’s invested in an ISL team, these athletes are helping to create a more diverse and enthusiastic sports community in India. It’s pretty amazing to see how their love for football is inspiring fans and changing the way people think about sports in the country.
How Athletes Influence Fans
The support Indian athletes show for certain teams really shapes how fans think about sports. When big names like Dhoni or Kohli talk about loving a football club, it gets cricket fans interested in a whole new game. It’s pretty cool to see how Dhoni’s love for Manchester United has gotten cricket lovers excited about football, or how Kohli backing FC Goa has helped the club build a strong fan base.
Fans often want to follow in their heroes’ footsteps, and that includes betting on the teams their favorite athletes support. It’s especially noticeable during big events like the Champions League or Premier League. There’s something special about placing a bet on a team when you know your sports idol is cheering for them too.
These athletes are doing more than just playing their own sports – they’re helping fans discover new games and teams to love. Whether it’s Virat Kohli’s passion for Real Madrid or MS Dhoni’s loyalty to Manchester United, these choices really influence how fans connect with different teams.
As Indian athletes keep showing their love for football and other sports, both international and local, their influence on fans is only going to grow. It’s creating a more diverse and exciting sports scene in India, with fans getting passionate about teams and games they might never have considered before.
