Why footballers are ditching cigarettes in favour of smoke free alternative

The health risks associated with smoking have been well documented for many years so it’s no wonder a growing number of top footballers are using Swedish snus as a healthier alternative.

Smoking is known to have an adverse effect on performance levels as athletes need oxygen-rich blood pumping to the heart, lungs and muscles but smoking thickens the blood which leads to lactic acid build-up and early fatigue. Despite the clear health and performance concerns, many footballers still smoke due to the hugely addictive properties of tobacco.

However, in recent years we’ve seen a growing number of top football players ditching cigarettes in favour of nicotine pouches, more commonly known as snus, as they are seen as a healthier alternative to smoking.

Snus is a form of smokeless tobacco that comes in small pouches which are placed under...