Top footballers on Love Island: 12 sportsmen who played a different kind of game on TV

Ronnie Vint and his distinctive hairline have swiftly returned for the second offering of the All Stars series, which began on Monday evening after what feels like just moments since his departure from the Love Island villa.

The footballer, who starred in the most recent series 11, was sent packing after grappling with a choice between Jess White and Harriett Blackmore. Ultimately, he left the show with Harriett by his side.

Reflecting on his journey, Ronnie shared, "I learnt so much from my experience last time. I left with Harriett, and from the time we left, I thought it was going well, but obviously, it ended.

"In the Villa I was always in 'triangles' and what not, but I feel like I've grown up a lot since then. You have to wise up. So, not in a bad way to Harriett, but I'm in a good position to find someone now and move on."

With the showdown in South Africa's Western Cape well and truly underway, LeoVegas has provided a roundup of footballers who have swapped their kits for the fire pits and joined the iconic dating show.

Ronnie Vint

Ronnie Vint has established a solid career as a defender in non-league football, notably with Dartford FC, where his leadership and defensive prowess stood out in the National League South. He made 119 appearances and scored six goals during his time with the Darts, but now plays for Ashford United as of July 2024.

The 28-year-old has quickly found himself in hot water as he has been kicking up a fuss so far in All Stars series two.

Ayo Odukoya

Ayo Odukoya balances a dynamic career both on and off the pitch. As a model, he has worked with Kult Models, featuring in various high-profile shoots. Ayo also featured on season 11 with Ronnie Vint, and finished in fourth place alongside Jess Spencer.

On the football field, Odukoya plays as a striker for Redbridge FC in the Isthmian League North. During the 2023/24 season, he made a significant impact, scoring eight goals in 38 appearances. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Barkingside-based team secure the Essex Senior Cup; however, according to a post on X, he failed to inform his side that he was departing for the Love Island villa last June.

Scott van der Sluis

Scott van der Sluis began his football journey at Manchester United's academy before switching to Liverpool in 2010, realising his childhood dream. After five years at Anfield, he transitioned to Swansea and later entered the English non-league system, playing for Bangor City.

In 2022, Scott debuted for Shelbourne FC in the Irish Premier Division. However, his football career unexpectedly turned when he joined Love Island. After his reality TV stint, Shelbourne's manager confirmed he would not return to the club. The 24-year-old is now without a club after leaving Widnes in July.

Tyrique Hyde

Tyrique Hyde, son of former Premier League player Micah Hyde, is carving a relatively new path in music and YouTube, whilst the most recent club he turned out for was Faversham Town after departing Lewes.

His football legacy, combined with his 1 million Instagram followers, YouTube and music venture, and reality TV appearance, has kept him in the public eye.

Tom Clare

Tom Clare, known for his time in season nine and winning the first season of Love Island All Stars alongside Molly Smith, plays as a forward for Macclesfield FC. Following his initial appearance on the show, Tom decided to leave his football career behind and pursue opportunities as an influencer, marking a significant shift in his professional life.

However, in March 2024, he returned to Macclesfield in a temporary capacity before signing on for the 2024/25 season as Robbie Savage's side look to gain promotion to the National League North.

Toby Aromolaran

Toby Aromolaran gained fame as a Love Island contestant and a player for the semi-professional YouTube-based team Hashtag United, which competes in the Isthmian League. The 2021 runner-up, alongside Chloe Burrows, has since featured on Celeb Cooking School, Love Island Games, and Love Island All Stars.

Though his relationship with fellow Islander Chloe Burrows ended in 2022, Toby remains a notable figure in both football and entertainment. Known as king of the 'love square', Toby has found the back of the net nine times in all competitions during the current campaign for Hashtag.

Aaron Simpson

Aaron Simpson, who entered Love Island as a mid-season bombshell in the seventh series of Love Island, was a full-back for Hemel Hempstead Town before the show. Post-Love Island, Aaron continued his football career with Salisbury FC, maintaining his position as a full-back.

Now, Aaron is plying his trade for Gainsborough Trinity in the Premier Division of the Northern Premier League and has made 24 appearances as part of the Holy Blues' inspiring FA Cup run, which culminated in the second round following defeat to Harrogate Town.

Dennon Lewis

Dennon Lewis, a winger who appeared during Love Island's Casa Amor twist in the show's fifth season, continued to thrive in his football career post-show, playing for Boreham Wood and now, Woking FC. His stint on Love Island added a new layer to his professional narrative.

Dennon could face off against Aaron Simpson as Woking travel to Gainsborough Trinity in the fifth round of the FA Trophy at the start of next month.

Finn Tapp

Finn Tapp, who won Love Island's first winter series with Paige Turley in 2020, was a defender for Oxford City and, most recently, Banbury United.

His participation in the show without club permission led to a revision of player contracts at Oxford City. Post-show, Finn has been active in charity football matches and continues to share his passion for the sport.

Mike Boateng

Entering the football-packed cast of 2020 was ex-Sheffield United midfielder Mike Boateng. His stint with the Blades in 2014 was short-lived, leading him to continue his career at non-league Eagley FC.

However, Mike eventually shifted gears, leaving football to pursue a career in law enforcement. His journey on Love Island saw him paired with Priscilla Anyabu, but their time in the villa ended just three days shy of the final.

Jamie Allen

Jamie Allen made headlines when he joined the 2022 series of Love Island. His decision to participate in the show, however, led to significant repercussions. Allen's stint in the villa was met with disapproval from his club at the time, Halifax Town, participating in the National League, as he failed to inform them of his mid-season departure. As a result, the now 29-year-old was released from Halifax Town, where he had made 88 appearances before leaving.

Since his exit from the club, the Montserrat international has experienced a decline in his club football career, gradually moving down the pyramid, having stints with Telford United, Curzon Ashton, and Workington, whom he currently plays for in the seventh tier of English football.

Mike Thalassitis

Mike Thalassitis, known for his run on Love Island season three, was a striker for teams like Bishop's Stortford, Cambridge United and Margate, having begun his career at Stevenage. He also scored twice on the international stage for Cyprus' under-19s and 21s sides.

After Love Island, he appeared on Celebs Go Dating but tragically passed away in 2019, leaving behind a legacy both on and off the pitch.