Former Arsenal star Hector Bellerin has always been known for his speed on the pitch, but few fans realise the depth of his passion off it. In a revealing interview, the Spanish defender opened up about how literature profoundly changed his perspective on life and career.
From Football to Fiction
Bellerin, who spent over a decade at Arsenal before moving to Real Betis, credits books with helping him navigate the pressures of professional football. "Literature gave me tools to understand myself and the world around me," he confessed.
Unexpected Influences
The footballer surprised many by citing philosophical works and classic literature as his favourites rather than typical sports biographies. His reading list includes:
- Existentialist works by Albert Camus
- Latin American magical realism
- Contemporary political essays
More Than Just a Footballer
Bellerin's intellectual pursuits challenge stereotypes about athletes. "People assume footballers don't read or think deeply," he noted. "But the game requires intelligence, and books help develop that."
His literary journey began during injury recovery periods, transforming from casual reading to a serious passion that now influences his environmental activism and fashion ventures.
A New Generation of Thinking Footballers
Bellerin hopes to inspire young athletes to embrace reading: "Books helped me handle fame, pressure, and even tactical decisions on the pitch. They're as important as physical training."
As football increasingly recognises players' off-field interests, Bellerin stands out as proof that the beautiful game and beautiful prose can coexist.
