Football Legends Who Chose Different Paths After Retirement
For many footballers, retirement means swapping the pitch for the sidelines: coaching, punditry, or management. But for a few, life after football takes a completely different turn. These legends remind us that passion doesn’t end with a career; sometimes, it simply changes direction.
1. Eric Cantona – The Artist and Actor
The Manchester United icon, once known for his fiery charisma and flair, surprised everyone when he stepped away from football at just 30. Instead of pursuing coaching, Cantona turned to cinema and art. He starred in French films like Looking for Eric and even explored painting and poetry. His creativity off the field feels like a natural extension of his expressive, unpredictable football style.
2. Andriy Shevchenko – From Ballon d’Or to Ballots
The Ukrainian striker’s transition might be one of the most unexpected. After a glittering career with AC Milan and Chelsea, Shevchenko briefly entered politics, running for a parliamentary seat in 2012. Though he didn’t win, his commitment to supporting Ukraine through sports diplomacy and charity has remained steadfast.
3. Tim Wiese – The Goalkeeper Turned Wrestler
Few post-football careers turned heads like Tim Wiese’s. The former Germany goalkeeper, known for his muscular frame, joined WWE in 2016 under the nickname “The Machine.” His short-lived wrestling career was both bold and bizarre, a reminder that sometimes, athletes crave entirely new forms of adrenaline.
4. Arjan de Zeeuw – The Detective Story
Dutch defender Arjan de Zeeuw’s journey might be the most grounded of all. After years in English football with Wigan and Portsmouth, he returned to the Netherlands to train as a forensic detective. From marking strikers to solving crimes, de Zeeuw’s discipline and observation skills found a new home in justice.
5. George Weah – From Goals to Government
The former AC Milan and PSG striker didn’t just run for office, he became President of Liberia. His rise from a footballing hero to a national leader stands as one of sport’s most inspiring stories. Weah used his global fame and influence to push for education and infrastructure in his homeland.
6. Mathieu Flamini – The Eco Entrepreneur
Arsenal’s former midfielder co-founded a company that produces eco-friendly alternatives to oil-based products. Valued in the billions, his business success rivals his football career. Flamini’s shift from tackles to technology shows how a player’s vision can extend far beyond the game.
Life Beyond the Game
When the stadium lights fade, not every legend follows the expected script. Some turn to art, some to politics, and others to entirely new worlds. Their journeys prove one truth, football is just the beginning.
