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Fans believe they have unmasked the ‘Premier League player’ secretly taking part in the new edition of the Baller League.
The small-sided tournament launched its second series on Monday night, with celebrity managers including Lionesses star Chloe Kelly, YouTuber Niko Omilana and former striker Daniel Sturridge.
Omilana had teased before kick-off that his team featured a current top-flight player, sparking speculation across social media once the mystery figure stepped onto the pitch.
The masked player was introduced to take a free kick and appeared to be used only for set-piece situations. They wore long black leg warmers, a yellow body warmer and a black ski mask, with an additional batman-style visor covering their eyes.
That look, combined with a distinctive run-up, led fans online to immediately draw comparisons with West Ham’s set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse.
However, a number of posts have since linked footage of the mystery footballer to clips of a German amateur, Kevin Weggen, who currently plays for Calcio Berlin.
Fans believe they have unmasked the ‘Premier League player’ secretly taking part in the new edition of the Baller League
Footage from his recent games shows a similar right-footed run-up, boots and body shape when striking set pieces
The 32-year-old German midfielder previously played for several lower-league clubs, including FC Wegberg-Beeck and SV Straelen
Weggen’s FotMob profile and recent match highlights bear a striking resemblance to the masked player’s movement and shooting style.
The 32-year-old German midfielder previously played for several lower-league clubs, including FC Wegberg-Beeck and SV Straelen, before joining the Berlin-based side.
Footage from his recent games shows a similar right-footed run-up, boots and body shape when striking set pieces – prompting many to question whether the supposed ‘Premier League star’ may, in fact, be him.
Indeed, Weggen has previously featured in the Baller League for Calcio Berlin, who competes in the competition and is described in one video on his Instagram, as a ‘legend’ of the ultra-modern discipline.
After the masked player was introduced on Monday, fans flocked to social media to share their theories.
One user posted on X: ‘James Ward-Prowse 100000%.’ Another wrote: ‘Could be JWP but feel like he doesn’t run up exactly like that.’
Others were less convinced. ‘Please don’t be James Ward-Prowse man, my club has enough to deal with,’ one fan complained.
An Arsenal supporter added: ‘I pray this isn’t Gyokeres.’
Weggen has previously featured in Baller League for Calcio Berlin, who competes in the competition and is described in one video on his Instagram, as a ‘legend’ of the game
Other suggestions included Jarrod Bowen, suspended Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk and current Blues star Cole Palmer.
Several viewers argued that the masked star might not be a Premier League player at all, suggesting the stunt was part of the show’s wider promotion.
‘I genuinely don’t think he is a Premier player,’ one fan observed. Another added: ‘He isn’t a premium player, surely they’re doing too much.’
The Baller League, a semi-professional competition mixing ex-players, content creators and celebrities, has gained traction online for its theatrics and surprise cameos.
Its second season has been heavily promoted through social media influencers, with organizers promising a blend of entertainment and genuine football talent.
