The football world at least raised its eyebrows last week when when it came to light that former Juventus, Bayern Munich and Brazil forward Douglas Costa had joined OnlyFans.
To some, the name and brand ‘OnlyFans‘ sets a form of alarm bells ringing. Anyone would be forgiven for associating the site with adult content. But that is, in reality, not what the company is intended for.
‘OnlyFans is the 18 + subscription platform empowering creators to own their full potential, monetise their content, and develop authentic connections with their fans.’ That’s how the business describes itself on the ‘Who we are’ section of their website.
’18+’ may contribute to any assumptions about what the site is for, but there is no mention of adult content in the desctiption. And now, high-profile names are joining the platform too – and that association could be swaying.
Costa has seen it all. He’s played in Germany, Italy and Ukraine. He has 33 caps for Brazil. And now, after moving to Australia to join up with Sydney in the A League, he wants to show his experiences to, and connect with, his fans.
‘I saw that, over the years, some important people joined the platform,’ Costa tells Mail Sport, speaking exclusively on his decision to sign up. ‘Athletes or people from other areas other than adult content joined the platform, and they are showing their day to day life.
‘I thought that was really an innovation from the platform. I saw a really good opportunity to show my content and what I do to the world. I can show something different on the platform.
‘I intend to post a lot of things about sport, my lifestyle, what I do, my day to day. I especially want to motivate people to follow my content and the platform.’
Costa’s account is currently free to subscribe to. Some creators are making a quick buck from their subscripton prices, but the footballer isn’t bothered about making money that way.
It could take a while for fans to jump over to the site, but Costa is posting regularly, with six photos and three videos shared to his profile so far.
‘Of course people were a little bit shocked that I joined OnlyFans,’ he added. ‘It’s a little overwhelming with people finding out. But I know the platform – in Brazil, we have this stigma that it’s only for adult content. But there are more Brazilian content creators joining the platform in a different style – Charles Oliveira, he’s on it, and I want to do some similar content.
‘I want to bring this different content to the platform. That’s what I’m intending to do. And of course, having people from different walks of life like sport will attract more people to join the platform.’
So who could be next? Costa is the first high-profile footballer to sign up, but others could follow suit.
Football players have been breaking into the world of content creation recently, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jude Bellingham among the stars who have created YouTube channels in the last few weeks.
Costa played alongside Ronaldo for three years at Juventus, winning two Serie A titles together and an Italian Cup as part of a formidible front line.
It’s put to Costa whether the most profilfic goal scorer of all time could join him on the platform. And don’t rule it out.
‘Never say never,’ he said. ‘But I don’t think it’s something he would do.
‘He has he joined YouTube, and I think that was big for him. You never know. I have had other people, some colleagues and friends that have already told me that they will join.
‘They have this stigma of it being an adult content only site. But I have family and friends on there, everybody that I normally post to on my social media.
‘It’s something where some people will will think, “Oh, it’s not for me”. But seeing somebody like me join the platform, they probably would join, because it’s not adult content that I’m intending to do.’
And that takes us to Sydney. Costa joined the club at the end of August, signing from Fluminense in his home country.
It’s a 17-hour flight from Rio de Janiero to Sydney. A long way from home at the back end of his career. But Costa has his reasons why he moved down under – and why he decided against joining the rapid growth of the Saudi Pro League.
‘Why not move into Australia?’ he asked. ‘I have been to Europe, back to Brazil, in the US and always playing for good teams.
‘Australian soccer is growing a lot and I definitely want to be a part of that. Of course I had opportunities to go to Saudi Arabia, but I am thinking about my family.
‘I have a sister that lives in Australia. In terms of family, my wife and kids, they would be a better set there. They already live in the US, and, for adaptation, it’s a much better place to be and I’m excited about that.’
And that won’t stop his new hobby. No matter where he goes, it will be OnlyFans creation for Costa for the foreseeable future.
‘No matter where I am, it’s not going to change much,’ he added. ‘I will be able to combine my content and sports life.’
OnlyFans has a huge range of sport creators, offering exclusive behind the scenes content and insights into their training, including boxers, tennis stars and MMA fighters.
Sports fans can also check out Rise & Grind on OFTV to see athletes gearing up for their big games and matches on https://of.tv/creators/rise-grind/.
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