Before Rod Stewart became an international rock star, he was deeply connected to a different passion—soccer. Known for his unmistakable voice and energetic performances, Stewart’s roots in football (soccer) played a significant role in shaping his personality, discipline, and career trajectory. Growing up in a working-class Scottish family in North London, soccer wasn’t just a pastime for Stewart; it was a way of life. His early love for the sport and ambitions of becoming a professional footballer would later contribute to the qualities that fueled his rise to stardom in music.
A Football-Centric Childhood
Rod Stewart was born in Highgate, London, to a Scottish father and English mother, and his Scottish roots strongly influenced his love for football. His father was an amateur footballer who passed down his passion for the game to young Rod. Stewart grew up idolizing football legends like Sir Stanley Matthews and supported the Scottish national team, even as a child. His first experiences with football were in the streets of North London, where he played with friends and honed his skills.
For Stewart, football was more than just a sport—it was a potential career. He dreamed of playing professionally and even had a brief stint at Brentford F.C., a club in the lower divisions of English football, during his teenage years. Stewart’s passion for the game drove him to practice tirelessly, and he developed a sense of discipline, teamwork, and competitiveness that would later be key to his success in music. His dedication to football wasn’t just about scoring goals—it was about building resilience and grit, qualities that are crucial to making it in any competitive field, including the cutthroat world of rock 'n' roll.
The Transition from Football to Music
Though Stewart showed promise as a footballer, life had other plans. His love for music slowly began to eclipse his football ambitions as he became more involved in the burgeoning London music scene of the early 1960s. Inspired by singers like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, Stewart began performing in local clubs and forming connections with musicians. His first professional break came as a singer for Long John Baldry and the Hoochie Coochie Men, which marked the beginning of his journey into rock stardom.
However, Stewart never fully left his football roots behind. The discipline and work ethic he had developed through football translated into his music career. Touring, recording, and performing required the same level of dedication and stamina that soccer had taught him. His early years of playing soccer, with its focus on teamwork and collaboration, also shaped his approach to working with bands like Faces and The Jeff Beck Group.
Football's Influence on His Stage Presence
Football had another impact on Rod Stewart—his live performances. Stewart’s concerts have often been compared to soccer matches in their energy, passion, and connection with the crowd. Stewart himself has acknowledged that the excitement of performing on stage is similar to the adrenaline of playing football. His famous habit of kicking soccer balls into the audience during his shows is a playful nod to his love for the sport. It became a hallmark of his concerts, symbolizing the seamless connection between his two passions.
A Lifelong Devotion to the Game
Despite choosing a career in music, Stewart’s love for football has remained unwavering. He has been a lifelong supporter of the Scottish national team and is a well-known fan of Celtic F.C., frequently attending matches and supporting the team throughout the years. He has even included football references in his songs, most notably in "You’re in My Heart," where he name-drops his beloved Celtic. Stewart also participated in charity football matches and other football-related events, showing that the sport remains a vital part of his life.
Football as a Foundation for Success
While music became Rod Stewart’s calling, his early involvement in football laid the foundation for much of his success. The discipline, resilience, and determination he developed as an aspiring footballer were crucial traits that helped him navigate the challenges of the music industry. His ability to connect with an audience, entertain large crowds, and bring a sense of fun and playfulness to his performances can all be traced back to his football roots.
Rod Stewart’s rise to stardom is a testament to the idea that the lessons learned in one arena of life can translate into success in another. In Stewart’s case, football didn’t just shape his youth; it shaped the rock legend he would become, fueling the drive, energy, and charisma that have made him an enduring icon in the world of music.
