From John Barnes’ iconic rap on New Order’s World In Motion for the 1990 World Cup to the modern generation, footballers have long flirted with music.
For most, it is a one-off way to build hype or strengthen their personal brands. But for Memphis Depay, Rafael Leao, Moise Kean, Alex Iwobi and Alphonso Davies, music has become a genuine creative outlet.
Away from the pressure of elite football, the studio gives them space to express their experiences, emotions and identities. Some have even released full albums and EPs, raising the question: could they eventually swap football boots for microphones?
Rafael Leao
AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has developed one of the most serious music careers among active footballers. He made his debut in 2021 with the seven-track EP Beginning, released under the alias WAY 45, a reference to the postal code of his hometown, Seixal.
In 2023, he released My Life In Each Verse, a 17-track album exploring his upbringing, family and sacrifices in Portugal through hip-hop, soul and R&B.
His 2025 EP 12:12 showed further growth, with a more aggressive trap sound and reflections on faith and dealing with public scrutiny.
Despite criticism from former AC Milan teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Leao remains committed to music.
Alex Iwobi
Fulham winger Alex Iwobi records under the name 17 and released his debut single Don't Shoot in 2024. Featuring Chuba Akpom and Medy Elito, the song addressed street violence and paid tribute to their east London upbringing.
He followed it with What's Luv, celebrating his Nigerian roots, before releasing More To Life in April 2025.
The nine-track project made Iwobi the first Premier League player to release an EP. Rooted in his Nigerian heritage, it combines luxury-rap themes with polished production and appearances from figures including Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana.
Memphis Depay
Depay initially began releasing independent music in 2017, inspired by his family background and travels around the world.
He dropped his first studio album in 2020, titled 'Heavy Stepper', which served as both a celebration of his wealth and high fashion, and detailed his upbringing and struggles against adversity.
The album relies too heavily on generic rap tropes, and he was forced to clarify that the lyrics "I need money like the Glazers" on the track 'Big Fish' were not intended as a dig at United's majority owners.
He has, however, accumulated millions of views across YouTube and Spotify, and showed growth as an artist on the 2025 collaborative EP 'Favelas'.The project explored Depay's new life in Brazil after joining Corinthians, successfully fusing trap and funk as he fully embraced the local culture.
Depay did stir up controversy this summer after a drawn-out row with Corinthians officials. Before the 32-year-old's renewal was agreed, the club had withdrawn their initial two-year extension offer, and he accused the club of "unacceptable behaviour".
Just 24 hours after returning to help the team reach the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals, Depay risked causing another rift by releasing a new music video for the song 'Don't Panic', which shows Corinthians headquarters up in flames.
Supporters are currently protesting against the club's ownership regime amid growing financial chaos, but Depay claimed his video was "filmed months ago", before adding in a social media statement: "I hope it’s a peaceful protest where people can express what they think calmly. About my music, I insist it's just art."
Despite all of that, there will be plenty more to come from Depay in the rap arena. "I spend so many hours in the studio, put my own money into sessions and music videos, so it’s become serious," Depay, who has cited Tupac, Jay-Z and 50 Cent among his inspirations, added to HYPEBEAST. "I have about three albums worth of unreleased songs. It’s something that I’m excited about."
Moise Kean
Fiorentina forward Moise Kean has enjoyed a rapid rise in hip-hop under the name KMB.
His 2024 debut album, Chosen, featured 11 tracks in Italian and English, covering his life as both a footballer and artist, resilience and his lavish lifestyle.
His biggest breakthrough came with BOMBAY, released in March 2025. Featuring his rap collective 19F, the song became the first track by a top-flight professional footballer to appear on an EA Sports FC soundtrack.
Alphonso Davies
Bayern Munich and Canada defender Alphonso Davies also explored music during the Covid-19 pandemic, forming the casual rap group Stugang.
He later surprised Bayern supporters with Munchen my Throne, released to celebrate his contract extension.