Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley has made the significant decision to become completely teetotal after confronting alcohol-related issues that have surfaced at various stages of his professional football career.
The Turning Point
The 31-year-old England international, currently enjoying a career resurgence under manager Unai Emery, revealed he hasn't consumed alcohol since last summer. Barkley told The Athletic that drinking had "created situations I don't really want happening anymore" and acknowledged that alcohol "can create problems for most people."
Two major life events prompted his lifestyle change: becoming a father in December last year and recognising his limited remaining time as a professional footballer. The midfielder emphasised the benefits of his new approach, stating: "Without drinking, it doesn't create any situations. You can be clear-minded every day and it doesn't affect you mentally. There are a lot of benefits to not doing that."
History of Alcohol-Related Incidents
Barkley's career has been punctuated by several high-profile incidents involving alcohol during his time at both Everton and Chelsea. Most notably, he faced scrutiny for allegedly breaching Covid-19 regulations during an all-day party celebrating his 27th birthday.
In 2021, the footballer made headlines after confronting a bouncer at London's May Fair Hotel following a drunken dispute with diners, an incident captured on video by other patrons. Another embarrassing moment occurred in November 2019 when, during an international break, Barkley was filmed dancing topless in a Dubai nightclub after Chelsea granted him holiday permission due to an ankle injury.
The midfielder also referenced an incident from earlier in 2019 involving a taxi driver payment dispute where he refused to pay after spilling his chips in the cab, ultimately requiring police escort to a cash machine to settle the fare.
Learning From Past Mistakes
Barkley admitted that former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard offered crucial advice after one particular incident where the player was filmed drinking in Liverpool before a midweek match. Lampard suggested he should "learn from" the situation and "pick and choose" appropriate times to indulge, subsequently punishing Barkley by taking him to France for an away game but making him watch from the coach.
As recently as June this year, Barkley's partying habits attracted media attention when he was spotted at a music festival in Barcelona with former Everton teammate John Lundstram. Around the same time, he raised eyebrows by sharing an Instagram video showing himself dancing in a taxi while appearing worse for wear.
The footballer has sought professional support to address his relationship with alcohol, including sessions with a sports psychologist. Barkley revealed he has found therapy "beneficial" throughout his career.
Barkley's journey hasn't been without emotional challenges, particularly regarding his departure from boyhood club Everton in 2017. He described crying over the decision, torn between staying at his lifelong club or moving away from his comfort zone. "I cried about leaving because of my love for the club," he shared, noting the difficulty of knowing "Everton weren't going to have me in my prime."
After being excused from Villa's squad at the start of the season for a personal issue in August and September, Barkley has returned to make five Premier League appearances, scoring his first goal of the campaign in Sunday's 4-0 victory against Bournemouth, demonstrating his renewed focus and commitment to his professional career.
