Social media has been abuzz with talk of a new football league over the past 24 hours. What is Baller League? And why is there so much intrigue?
Influencers and former professional footballers have teamed up to launch UK and American versions of Baller League in 2025.
The six-a-side format was set up in Germany by entrepreneur Felix Starck alongside footballers Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski, and is now heading to the UK and US.
KSI, who has 24.8 million YouTube subscribers, will be president of the UK version with streamer IShowSpeed named as president of the American league.
Football legends Gary Lineker, John Terry and Luis Figo have been lined up as team managers, while Micah Richards, Alan Shearer, Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires have also been signed up as coaches.
“Sport is no longer as easy as just saying ‘look, we’re here now, come and watch us,’ says Starck.
“That’s just not how sport works any more. It needs to be exciting, and it needs to be authentic. Those are the two words that we always use at Baller League.”
Miniminter and Tobi, both part of YouTube group Sidemen, plus streamer AngryGinge are set to try their hand at management.
Former Barcelona and Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho and IShowSpeed are the only two people to have been confirmed for the US version so far.
