Successful Footballers Who Excelled in Other Sports
For most footballers, their sport is their sole focus and passion. But there are a select few who have managed to excel in other sports as well, showcasing their competitive skills and versatility. From Petr Cech trading his goalkeeping gloves for ice skates to Ivan Perisic’s passion for beach volleyball, these footballers have proven that they can dominate on multiple playing fields.
One of the most iconic examples of a footballer’s success in another sport is Petr Cech. The legendary goalkeeper, known for his record-breaking performances on the pitch, decided to return to a sport he loved as a child: ice hockey. After retiring from professional football in 2019, Cech signed with Guildford Phoenix and played in goal. Last year, he joined Division 1 side Oxford City Stars. Cech expressed his excitement about this new chapter in his sporting career, saying, “After 20 years of professional football, this is going to be a wonderful experience for me to play the game I loved to watch and play as a kid.”
Paolo Maldini, the Italian footballer who dedicated his career to AC Milan and his national team, also ventured into another sport after retiring from football. At the age of 49, Maldini tried his hand at tennis. Alongside his doubles partner Stefano Landonio, he entered the Aspria Tennis Cup in 2017 for fun. However, their debut match didn’t go as planned, as they were beaten 6-1, 6-1 in just 42 minutes. Maldini described the experience as unique and unrepeatable, stating, “It was like writing a poem after studying years of maths.”
Ivan Perisic, known for his versatility on the football field, has also shown his skills in beach volleyball. The winger has been playing the sport since he was ten years old and has a deep passion for it. While he participated in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour in 2017 alongside partner Niksa Dellorco, they unfortunately lost their first match. Perisic’s love for beach volleyball may have influenced him in an unexpected way during the 2018 World Cup final, where he conceded a handball against France.
Another surprising example of a footballer excelling in another sport is Tim Wiese. The former German goalkeeper, known for his time at Werder Bremen, transitioned into professional wrestling after retiring from football in 2014. Going by the nickname “The Machine,” Wiese made his WWE debut in November 2016 in Munich. He explained that wrestling was not an escape for him but rather an alternative to sitting on the couch and becoming out of shape.
Clive Allen, a star of the eighties who scored 49 goals for Tottenham Hotspur in the 1986-87 season, also tried his hand at another sport. In 1995, he began playing American Football professionally and joined London Monarchs, a team that competes in NFL Europe, as a specialist goal-kicker. When fellow Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane expressed his ambitions to play American football in the NFL, Allen gave him his full support, stating that former strikers are the ones who can do well in the sport.
Gabriel Batistuta, Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer, had a different perspective on football. In an interview, he admitted that he didn’t actually like the sport and saw it only as his job. Batistuta also suffered from severe leg injuries that caused him debilitating pain. To continue exercising without worsening his leg condition, he turned to polo. Batistuta’s team even won the prestigious Stella Artois Cup, and he continues to play for the Loro Piana polo club.
Jerzy Dudek, the Polish goalkeeper who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, pursued his passion for motorcar racing after retiring from football. Dudek had been passionate about racing before becoming a professional footballer and raced go-karts. He competed in the Volkswagen Castrol Cup in 2014, satisfying his craving for adrenaline.
While some footballers have found success in other sports, others have attempted to venture into different fields without the same level of achievement. Rio Ferdinand, for example, had hopes of becoming a professional boxer but was ultimately refused a professional boxing license. Gareth Bale, known for his love of golf, has immersed himself in the sport since retiring from football and even made his PGA Tour debut last year. Joe Hart, the Celtic goalkeeper, could have pursued a career as a professional cricketer, having played on national championship-winning sides at under-13 and under-15 levels.
These footballers’ successes in other sports highlight their incredible talent and dedication. Whether it’s Petr Cech donning ice skates or Clive Allen kicking goals in American football, these athletes have proven that they can excel in multiple disciplines. Their stories inspire us to pursue our passions and strive for greatness, no matter the field we choose.