Did you know these football legends were two-sport athletes?
Athletes frequently exhibit talent across multiple disciplines. For instance, tennis sensation Jannik Sinner excelled as a junior skier, while Michael Jordan famously ventured into baseball and Usain Bolt transitioned to football following his illustrious track career. Similarly, numerous footballers have explored alternate sports, whether preceding their commitment to soccer, during retirement, or concurrently with their footballing pursuits. Here, we examine several prominent instances of football players engaging in other sports.
The flag waved by Wales players upon securing qualification for Euro 2020 sparked anger among Real Madrid fans. While it may have been in jest, there was a hint of truth to it as well. Bale's passion for golf is well-known; he has participated in several tournaments since retiring from football and garnered commendation from Rory McIlroy during a Pro-Am event in September 2023.
Paolo Maldini, hailed as one of the greatest defenders in football history, also displayed skill on the tennis court. In 2017, the Italian legend qualified for an ATP Challenger event in doubles alongside his coach, Stefano Landonio. Landonio praised Maldini's performance, noting that he exhibited "no weaknesses." However, despite their efforts, the duo suffered a defeat with a scoreline of 6-1, 6-1 in just 42 minutes.
Petr Cech initially honed his skills in ice hockey during his formative years and transitioned to the sport of football. Following his retirement from professional football in 2019, the former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper joined the Guildford Phoenix. Taking up the role of goaltender once again, the Czech made an impressive debut, earning the Man of the Match award by saving two penalties in a shootout victory. Subsequently, he represented various other teams and, in 2023, contributed to raising £65,000 for the support of ice hockey in Ukraine through a charity match with the Belfast Giants.
Christian Vieri emerged as one of the premier strikers globally, yet the Australian-born forward harboured a deeper passion for cricket than football. Vieri expressed his willingness to trade football for cricket, asserting his belief in his potential to excel as the world's top batsman. In a moment that left journalists bemused, he even declared former Australia captain Allan Border as his greatest sporting idol during a press conference.
Revered as one of Argentina's finest players of all time, Gabriel Batistuta held the title of the team's leading goal scorer until Lionel Messi surpassed him. Following his retirement from football, Batistuta grappled with debilitating ankle pain attributed to his years of strenuous activity on the pitch. However, he found solace in polo and achieved success, clinching the esteemed Copa Stella Artois in 2009.
Bixente Lizarazu was a pivotal member of France's triumphant 1998 World Cup-winning team and their European Championship victory two years later, boasts an impressive tally of 97 caps for Les Bleus. Beyond his international success, Lizarazu enjoyed a stellar club career, including a Champions League triumph with Bayern Munich. Though he retired from professional football in 2006, Lizarazu's passion for sports endures. An enthusiastic surfer and cyclist, he also indulges in hydrofoiling. Notably, in 2009, he clinched the European jiu-jitsu championship, further underscoring his diverse athletic capabilities!
With nearly 400 appearances as a central defender in his football career, Curtis Woodhouse briefly graced the Premier League with Birmingham City and represented England at the Under-21 level. Transitioning to professional boxing, Woodhouse achieved success with 24 victories in 31 fights, earning him the title of former British light-welterweight champion.
These footballers show that no matter how different a sport is, being athletic and fit helps in transitioning to another sport!
