Barcelona goalkeeper Szczesny has candidly addressed his smoking habit in an interview with The Athletic . The 36-year-old shot-stopper acknowledged his nicotine addiction as a vice he has been unable to shake off. Despite being viewed as unprofessionally minded, the Polish has chosen to remain completely open regarding his off-field lifestyle.
Szczesny makes honest admission
The former Juventus goalkeeper offered his perspective on maintaining honesty regarding his personal lifestyle. He said: "It might not seem the most professional thing in the world, but I am who I am. People know that I have one addiction that I cannot get rid of."
He even noted that Barcelona supporters have created a chant explicitly referencing his smoking, adding: "I've never had my own chant before, so that's already a surprising thing. I enjoyed it. I try to be as authentic as I can, and people seem to appreciate it."
Emphasising that his transparency about nicotine dependency is key to why fans connect with him, the ex-Gunners keeper stated: "I would imagine that a lot of players have certain addictions, whether it's nicotine or alcohol or gambling, I don't know. But there's one player who is quite open about it, and that's me. And it's an addiction that I'm not even willing to fight. I embrace it, and maybe it just feels authentic to people.
"People don't think I smoke because they saw a hidden photo of me from the paparazzi. I admitted to my addiction, and it's an addiction that a lot of people in the world have.
"People can probably relate to it. I don't even think about recommending people to take up smoking. I think it's a terrible thing and everybody should avoid it. It's a weakness of mine, but I'm fine with that weakness."
Szczesny is so relaxed about accepting his vulnerability that he even sported a hat stamped with the word "smoker" during Barcelona's trophy parade. The move underscored an approach that holds zero intention of masking his everyday reality from the public eye. Ultimately, this level of authenticity has earned the goalkeeper distinct respect from the club's faithful.
Challenges between the posts
Szczesny remains under contract at Barcelona until June 2027. During the 2025-26 campaign, he featured eight times in La Liga, conceding 15 goals without keeping a single clean sheet, alongside four Champions League appearances that yielded six goals against. The veteran goalkeeper is now bracing himself for intense competition from first-choice keeper Joan Garcia ahead of the new season.
