These footballers are some of the fittest specimens to grace the planet, and sure, we enjoy watching them race around the pitch… but we’d much rather “ooh” and “aah” over their pups. If watching gorgeous men play with puppies was a spectator sport, we’d definitely go all-in on a season pass.
1. Alexis Sanchez, Spin, & Pal
Who can chase the ball down faster?
Image via Alexis Sanchez Twitter
2. Mario Balotelli & Lucky
Mario made a five figure donation to Manchester’s Dog Home after it burned down in September. During his time at Manchester City he was a frequent volunteer at the shelter, and he was often seen helping walk the dogs. Mario started doing this while he was waiting for his pooch Lucky to be released from quarantine when he moved from Italy, and he has since adopted two Staffies from the very shelter he used to visit.
Image via Mario Balotelli Twitter
3. Nathan Baker & Hunter
Nathan posts lots of pictures of Hunter. Check out the video of the pup digging up Nathan’s backyard on his Instagram. Pawsitively adorable.
Image via Nathan Baker Instagram
4. Graham Zusi & Baci
Graham and USMNT teammate Matt Besler adopted their dogs together at the same Kansas City shelter. Their pups are also sisters. The sweetest video on his Instagram is from when he returns from the World Cup and Baci sees him for the first time in weeks. Heart strings tugged!
Image via Graham Zusi Instagram
5. Álvaro Arbeloa & Bauer
Álvaro has three identical pugs named Mulder, Sawyer, and Bauer. He just as many pics of his pups as with his actual babies. Good dog Dad, good human Dad. Swooooon.
Image via Álvaro Arbeloa Instagram
6. Mesut Özil, Balboa, & Capone
Mesut considers his pooches among his biggest fans and even dressed Balboa up to support him while he played for Germany during the World Cup.
Image via Mesut Özil Instagram
7. Matt Besler & Giper
Since adopting Giper, Matt has become a massive advocate for the KC Pet Project. He & his rescue have done tons of commercials and photo shoots to raise awareness for adoption.
Image via Matt Besler Instagram
8. James Rodríguez & Amigo
Oh snuggle pictures!
Image via James Rodríguez Instagram
9. Lukas Podolski & Big
Lucas has just started a clothing line and often uses his four-legged sidekick as a model on his Instagram.
Image via Lukas Podolski Instagram
10. Jonjo Shelvey & Monster
“Daaaaaad, you’re embarrassing me!”
Image via Jonjo Shelvey Twitter
11. Andy Carroll, Billi Mucklow, & Maggie
Smile, family paw-trait!
Image via Andy Carroll Twitter
12. Gökhan Inler & Bambino
Two striking strikers indeed.
Image via Gökhan Inler Instagram
13. Eden Hazard & Dribble
Being this adorable is exhausting.
Image via Eden Hazard Instagram
14. Darren Gibson & Rocco
Darren & Rocco have play dates with teammate Shane Duffy and his Shar-Pei, Baylee.
Image via Dareen Gibson Twitter
15. Neymar Jr. & Poker
Definitely in our Cutest XI.
Image via Neymar Jr. Instagram
