Hollywood actor Javier Bardem, renowned for his villainous roles in James Bond and No Country for Old Men, has surprised fans by revealing his early days as a rugby player for the Spanish junior national team. Bardem, who portrayed the menacing Raoul Silva alongside Daniel Craig in Skyfall, shared his passion for rugby during the Rugby World Cup, leaving fans astonished at his unexpected sporting background.
In a candid interview with RugbyPass TV, Bardem disclosed his love for rugby, a sport he pursued fervently in his youth. “I played for Spain,” Bardem revealed. “I started when I was nine years old, and I played until I was 23. I love it, it is my passion.” The actor, who attended the Rugby World Cup semi-final match between New Zealand and Argentina, reminisced about his days as a prop, wearing the number three jersey and fondly referred to as ‘Los Mendrugos,’ the hard part of the bread.
Fans took to social media to express their admiration for Bardem’s dual talents. Twitter user @AmosaDan wrote, “I already love him as an actor, now I respect him even more as a rugby fan/former player!” The news of Bardem’s rugby career also delighted @DrJSherrington, who exclaimed, “Omg Javier Bardem played rugby for Spain!!!!! This pleases me greatly,” echoing the sentiments of countless surprised fans.
During the interview, Bardem emphasized his deep respect for rugby’s core values, particularly its ethical foundation and the spirit of camaraderie among players. “It’s my favorite sport of them all because of the ethics, because of the union of the team, because of the respect for fellow players and the referees,” he remarked passionately. The actor expressed his concern about recent incidents where players were whistled at during kicks, underscoring the importance of upholding the sport’s values and setting a positive example for younger generations.
Bardem’s revelation has not only endeared him further to his fans but has also highlighted the diverse backgrounds of rugby enthusiasts around the world. As the Rugby World Cup continues to captivate audiences, Bardem’s story serves as a testament to the sport’s ability to unite people from different walks of life under the banner of mutual respect and shared passion.
