Football
Chris Wright, Toe Poke writer 4y

Coronavirus lockdown: Bayern star Coutinho and wife Aine's gymnastic display is not all that it seems

With almost all football postponed indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic, star players have found themselves at a loose end.

With many training grounds off-limits, clubs have sent footballers home, where they're adhering to an isolation period for the next few weeks. How are they passing the time?

ESPN will be keeping a daily eye on what the world's best are up to, as well as how clubs are keeping busy by battling in online competitions against each other.

- Stream new episodes of ESPN FC Monday-Friday on ESPN+
- Stream every episode of 30 for 30: Soccer Stories on ESPN+

Philippe Coutinho

Bayern Munich forward Philippe Coutinho and his wife, Aine, are keeping themselves entertained in quarantine with some apparently physics-defying acrobatics.

Don't worry, it took us a few seconds to work it out, too!

Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez

Inter Milan duo Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez were just establishing themselves as one of Europe's top strike partnerships before the season was suspended.

The two forwards have 46 goals split between them so far this campaign, though it might be quite a while before either of them can add to their tally.

However, despite everybody being on lockdown, Lukaku and Martinez have been able to keep their partnership ticking over.

As revealed on Instagram, the pair live in the same apartment complex, meaning that Lukaku is able to keep in contact with Martinez from his balcony.

The Belgium international shared a video of him shouting "Lauti!" at his Argentine counterpart, with the latter responding with a wave.

Martinez reposted the video on his Instagram story, along with the caption "Get inside or you're going to fall!"

The next-door neighbours' efforts helped the Nerazzurri climb to third in Serie A before the entire league was postponed in early March. Coach Antonio Conte will no doubt be delighted to see they are maintaining their partnership.

Douglas Costa

Douglas Costa took on the "Flour Challenge," which basically gave his mother a good excuse to dunk her children's faces in ... well, flour.

Mama Costa was asked a variety of questions about her kids (who is the most impatient, who is the biggest brat, etc.) and she answered by pushing their faces into a large pile of self-raising.

Her Brazil and Juventus winger son got a face-full of the white stuff for being the one who is never at home and for not valuing money enough.

Rivaldo

He may be approaching middle age, but Rivaldo has proved that his masterful skills are showing no signs of diminishing.

At home in isolation, the Brazil legend was challenged by his son to knock a bottle of water off a small table with a backheel.

The kid went first and missed only for the old master to step up and nail it with his first attempt.

"My youngest son wanted to challenge me and look what happened! Respect my story, boy!" Rivaldo wrote.

You never lose it. Well, not if you're a former Ballon d'Or and World Cup winner, anyway.

David Luiz

Speaking of Brazilians and trick shots, David Luiz took to the garden to show off his silky control.

Stationed well behind the miniature goal, the Arsenal defender still managed to score thanks to a liberal application of backspin.

Thomas Muller

By becoming a human climbing frame, Thomas Muller assisted his wife, Lisa, in a viral challenge that is apparently taking the equestrian social media community by storm.

Reece James

Reece James shared a brilliant throwback image from his days in the Chelsea youth academy -- an image which also included a couple of other recognisable faces.

Indeed, you may also be able to spot the young Declan Rice and Mason Mount posing for a photo with former Blues forward Franco Di Santo.

Borussia Monchengladbach

Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach have come up with a novel way to ensure their stadium is always full despite the ongoing quarantine.

Supporters have paid to have cardboard cutouts of themselves placed in their seats so they can still "roar" the team on even if games have to be played behind closed doors.

^ Back to Top ^