Crossword Genius

Soft drink for a footballer (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bale

'a footballer' is the definition.
(footballer Gareth Bale)

'soft drink' is the wordplay.
'soft' becomes 'b' (I've seen this in other clues).
'drink' becomes 'ale' (ale is a kind of drink).
'b'+'ale'='BALE'

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for bale that I've seen before include "Unit of hay" , "Evil - bundle" , "Bundle of goods" , "Bound bundle" , "Bundle (of hay, say)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app