The dramatic fall from grace of a former La Liga footballer has been laid bare, as Sergio Contreras Pardo, known as Koke, serves a prison sentence for running a significant drug trafficking operation. The 42-year-old, who played for Malaga and Marseille, was arrested in 2019 and later confessed to heading a cartel.
From Football Pitch to Criminal Enterprise
Koke's career began at his hometown club, Malaga, before a move to French side Marseille, where he reached the UEFA Cup final in 2004. He later became a fan favourite at Greek club Aris Thessaloniki, making over 170 appearances, and also had spells at Sporting CP in Portugal and Houston Dynamo in the USA before retiring in 2017.
However, his post-football life took a dark turn. Just two years after hanging up his boots, he was arrested in a major police operation in Malaga. He admitted to leading a network that dealt in marijuana, cannabis resin, and cocaine, purchasing large quantities for smuggling across Europe.
'You Earn in Two Months What You Earn in a Year'
In a 2021 interview with Canal Plus, Koke starkly contrasted his illegal income with his football earnings. "In the other business, you earn in two months what you can earn in a year in football. But you're risking your life," he stated. He was keen to downplay his notoriety, however, insisting, "I have contacts everywhere, but I'm not Pablo Escobar!"
The former forward was among 17 defendants charged in the case. Initially facing a 16-year sentence, he negotiated a plea deal with prosecutors at the Provincial Court of Malaga in May 2023.
Prison Sentence and Reflections
Koke received a six-year prison term and a substantial fine. Having already spent nearly two years in pre-trial custody before being released on bail in 2021, he returned to prison in 2023 to complete his sentence and is expected to be released next year.
Reflecting on his time behind bars, he revealed he saw many Marseille shirts in prison and acknowledged the dangers. "Prison is open to stupid people," he said. "Going to prison isn't the worst thing in the world." He expressed a desire for societal understanding, arguing that "everyone deserves a chance" after serving their time.
The case remains a shocking example of a sporting career derailed by serious crime, with the ex-player's own words highlighting the lucrative yet perilous temptation that led to his downfall.
