5 Footballers Who Made Learning Spanish Their Goal
Football might be a universal language, but speaking the local tongue can make all the difference on and off the pitch. These five footballers didn't just rely on their skills; they went the extra mile to learn Spanish. Here’s a look at how they’ve done—check out the videos and see for yourself!
1. Gary Lineker
Known for his sharp wit and even sharper goal-scoring instincts, Gary Lineker took his talents to Barcelona in the late 1980s. But he didn’t stop at just scoring goals; Lineker made a real effort to learn Spanish, something that’s endeared him to Spanish fans even today. He still regularly speaks in Spanish, though he’s always humble about his level, never missing a chance to joke about how rusty he is. Have a look at the video—has he kept up his Spanish after all this time?
2. David Beckham
When David Beckham made his high-profile move to Real Madrid back in 2003, he knew he had to do more than just bring his famous free-kicks to the Bernabéu. Beckham took his language learning seriously, quickly picking up Spanish to communicate with his teammates and coaches. If you (and your students!) are curious to hear more about his experiences in Madrid, try our free Desert Island Discs lesson plan, where he reflects on his time in Spain and his love of jamón. Listen to his last press conference below—do you think he made good progress?
3. Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham’s rise in football has been nothing short of meteoric. After making waves at Borussia Dortmund, his move to Real Madrid in 2023 brought a new challenge: learning Spanish. Despite being one of the youngest stars at the club, Bellingham has embraced the language, making a genuine effort to communicate with his teammates and fans. Watch one of his interviews—how well do you think he’s adapting?
4. Caroline Graham Hansen
Norwegian star Caroline Graham Hansen has been a key player for FC Barcelona Femení, and she’s been with the club since 2019, making very impressive progress with her Spanish. If you want to find out how her teammate Lucy Bronze is got on with her move to Barça, and her beloved pan con tomate try our Life of a Footballer video lesson plan. As for Hansen, how would you rate her Spanish?
5. David Moyes
When David Moyes took the managerial reins at Real Sociedad, he knew he needed more than just his coaching experience. Despite the language barrier, Moyes made some memorable (and often hilarious) attempts to throw out a few Spanish words during press conferences and interviews. His humorous efforts were appreciated by fans and players alike. Check out one of his press conferences—do you think he gave it a good try?
We’ve had fun compiling this list. Do your students like talking about sport, too? Then they’d love our free ‘Let’s Talk about Sport and Exercise’ speaking resource.
And, do you know any other sports stars who’ve made impressive progress with Spanish? Let us know in the comments!
