Soccer fans love seeing their favorite players drive the greatest and most opulent vehicles available. And they are rarely disappointed because the majority of professional soccer players love to flaunt their Ferraris, Porsches, and Lamborghinis.
But, occasionally, certain players will surprise their supporters by turning up in American cars that are less famous overseas. Those who select American-made automobiles inevitably choose muscle cars. Some choices, nevertheless, are genuinely unexpected. Take, for example, Djibril Cissé’s Plymouth Prowler.
“France and Panathinaikos striker Djibril Cissé is famous for his outlandish hairstyles and fashion sense, so no surprises his choice of car is a bit 'out there' too,” comments The Richest on the soccer star’s Plymouth Prowler choice.
To be fair, Cissé also owns a Cadillac Escalade upholstered with the most outlandish snakeskin interior. And the love of this soccer player for American vehicles or surprising styling options doesn’t end there. In fact, Cissé also commissioned an artist to paint his daughter Ilona front and center on the hood of his Chrysler. According to The Sun, the soccer player “is a big fan of customising his cars.” And he seems to be an even bigger fan of American vehicles, as he also owned a custom Dodge Ram van.
“Taking the flat, gray number on MTV's Pimp My Ride International, Cissé was pleased to discover his van had been kitted out with televisions, an audacious sound system and plenty of memorabilia from his career,” says the Bleacher Report. “It also has some really nifty red racing stripes.”
While Cissé tops most of the lists of interesting customization options for vehicles, he still isn’t the only one who loves American vehicles, so read on to find out which international soccer players drive American cars.
Lionel Messi's Dodge Charger SRT8
Dubbed “the new Maradona,” the Argentine superstar has impressed his fans with his technical abilities, impossible passes, incredible goals and speed on the field. Apart from being a brilliant soccer player, he is also the humble, laid-back leader who doesn’t take credit for his teammates' success, which is very appealing to soccer fans used to arrogant characters, like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mario Balotelli, Cristiano Ronaldo and Dani Osvaldo.
Messi's vehicle choices reflect his down-to-earth personality, as he drives incredible cars like the Pagani Zonda and the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, but also more reasonable options like the Dodge Charger SRT8. This American beast appeared in Fast Five, driven by Vin Diesel and Paul Walker’s character, Brian O'Conner. Lionel Messi’s Charger came equipped with a V8 engine that could generate 430 hp. This choice shows that the Argentine player wants to be as fast on the road as he is on the pitch.
Other Soccer Players That Are Fans Of American Vehicles
British central midfielder Jermaine Jenas is less familiar than Beckham to soccer fans outside the country, but he could become well known in the States because of his taste in automobiles. Fans have seen Jenas driving a Chrysler Voyager while around town with his wife, Ellie Penfold. TheRichest says, “Voyagers may not be flash, but they are practical.”
French soccer player Thierry Henry became French Player Of The Year not once, but five times. Among other titles and awards, Henry also won the 1998 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2000, and 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, playing for France. During Henry’s career, Emmanuel Petit branded him “arrogant,” but Henry did not communicate his arrogance through his car choices. Not only was Henry the Ambassador of Renault, but he also drove a full-size luxury American SUV, the Lincoln Navigator. His vehicle impressed with its generous sizing and incredible power. Although the SUV had a 5.4-liter V8 engine, it was the size of the vehicle that had people talking, not the engine.
“Thierry Henry once had a Lincoln Navigator, which at about 30 centimeters longer than a Rangie, must be visible from the outer reaches of space,” says Car Throttle.
One of Messi's closest pals is Carlos Tevez, but unlike Messi, the Argentine superstar is not renowned for his humility and shyness. Consequently, his choice of a Hummer H2 fits his trouble-making, haughty personality well.
“Upon infamously taking a self-imposed sabbatical from his Manchester City commitments in 2011 and 2012, the South American returned to the Etihad Stadium in his American big rig,” says Bleacher Report.
Another soccer player who enjoys powerful American cars is Petr Cech. Various soccer fans, managers, and experts named the Czech goalkeeper as one of the greatest goalkeepers in history. As an avid car collector, Cech has a Chevrolet Camaro in his private collection. To be fair, if there’s someone who could make the Camaro popular in Europe, it’s definitely Petr Cech.
Sources: The Sun, Sports Brief, TheRichest, Bleacher Report, Autocosmos, Car Throttle