Football, the “beautiful game,” has given us legends. They conquered the pitch and then ventured into new sports. Some found success in unexpected places. These athletes’ drive for competition didn’t fade after retiring from football. Instead, it led them to explore new challenges, proving that their talents weren’t confined to a single sport.
This post explores the journeys of footballers who switched sports. It highlights their resilience, adaptability, and love of competition.
1. Tim Wiese: From Football Goalkeeper to WWE Wrestling Superstar
Tim Wiese, a former German international goalkeeper, is a surprising case. He is a footballer who switched to another sport.
After a solid football career with Werder Bremen and Hoffenheim, he was part of the German team at the 2010 World Cup. Wiese swapped his gloves for wrestling boots. In 2014, after retiring from football, Wiese accepted an invitation from WWE to train at their Performance Center in Florida.
His 2016 wrestling debut at a WWE event in Munich got mixed reactions. But, Wiese silenced critics with his impressive performance. His transition showed the same drive and toughness that made him a football star. Wiese left the WWE in 2017
2. Rio Ferdinand: The defender turned boxing contender
Rio Ferdinand, a legendary central defender, played for Manchester United and England. He retired from football in 2015. Then, he decided to channel his competitive spirit into boxing. Former WBC super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall trained Ferdinand. He threw himself into boxing with the same dedication that defined his football career.
Ferdinand never fought professionally. So, the British Boxing Board of Control denied him a boxing license because he had no competitive matches. His journey into the sport, however, showed his unyielding determination and adaptability. His boxing dreams showed the same drive that made him a top football defender.
4. Fabien Barthez: The Goalkeeper with a Need for Speed
Fabien Barthez, the French goalkeeper, helped France win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. After retiring from football in 2007, he found a new passion: motorsports. Barthez took the racing world by storm, competing in events like the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Barthez’s racing was no hobby; he took it seriously. He won the French GT Championship in 2013. His success in motorsports showed that his competitive spirit was as strong off the pitch as on it.
5. Paolo Maldini: AC Milan Icon to Tennis Court Competitor
Paolo Maldini, a top football defender, spent his whole career at AC Milan. He retired in 2009. Rather than settling into retirement, Maldini sought a new challenge in the world of professional tennis.
In June 2017, at 49, Maldini debuted in professional tennis. He and his doubles partner, Stefano Landonio, lost in the first round of the Aspria Tennis Cup, an ATP Challenger Tour tournament. They lost to Tomasz Bednarek and David Pel, 6–1, 6–1. They qualified for the event in Italy. Maldini’s tennis career was short. But, his effort to compete at a pro level in a new sport showed his drive and athleticism.
6. Osaze Odemwingie: From the Football Pitch to PGA
Peter Osaze Odemwingie, a Nigerian forward, was fast and precise on the pitch. After retiring in 2019, he found a new passion: golf. Odemwingie made 65 appearances for Nigeria and scored 11 goals. Odemwingie quickly made a name for himself in the world of pro-am golf tournaments.
His switch to golf showed that his skills as a footballer—focus, discipline, and a competitive edge—were useful. They mattered on the golf course, where precision and patience are key.
7. Bixente Lizarazu: Football Glory, Surfing, and Jiu-Jitsu Triumphs
Bixente Lizarazu, a World Cup-winning left-back with France in 1998, didn’t just retire from football after a fine career. He took up surfing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Lizarazu, who grew up near the Atlantic coast, became an avid surfer during his football career.
After retiring, he took up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He earned a black belt and competed in various tournaments. Lizarazu’s dedication to these sports shows his love for challenges. It also shows he can excel beyond football.
