After a footballer recently revealed that he sold his FIFA Club World Cup medal for cocaine, here are seven more players who struggled with drug issues during their playing days, including a Kaizer Chiefs legend.
Click through the gallery above to see seven footballers who were believed to have drug problems during their playing careers, according to various reports.
In a recent interview, former Sao Paulo player Leandro Bonfim candidly revealed that he sold his Club World Cup winner's medal and spent most of the money he made from it on drugs.
Bonfim admitted he struggled badly once he began using cocaine, saying that "any money saved I used to buy drugs. I wouldn't let myself be without drugs. Morning, afternoon and evening, I had to take cocaine."
Other footballers have also been where Bonfim was, including Argentina legend Diego Maradona, whose incredible career was, at times, overshadowed by his many off-field nightmares.
The first time the Napoli legend tested positive for cocaine was in 1991, for which he was hit with a 15-month ban from football. Maradona had several more run-ins with the law for his issues outside of the sport, but is still widely regarded as one of the best players of all time.
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Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu was kicked out of the London club after he tested positive for cocaine in 2004, and his issues with substance abuse reportedly stemmed from football-related problems.
The Romanian was said to be ordered to take a drug test after they noticed a behavioural change, with it being believed that he began to use drugs when he was living on his own in the English city following a divorce.
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Chiefs icon Jabu Mahlangu has spoken openly about his battles with drugs and alcohol too – click through the gallery above to see more footballers who struggled with drug use during their playing careers.
Which of these footballers did you enjoy watching in their prime? Let us know in the comments section below.
