From Scoring Goals to Netting Votes: 10 Soccer Stars Who Tasted Success on the Political Pitch

It's not easy to give up a career and pursue another and here are 10 Footballers who made the switch seamlessly.

PUBLISHED OCT 8, 2023

Cover Image Source: David Icke/ Gianni Rivera/ Oleg Blokhin/ Getty Images

Soccer players who shifted focus from scoring goals to netting votes

Image Source: General Photo Library/ Getty Images

Soccer legends have been known to develop fan followings to the point where they are even compared to gods and wizards, and this stardom pays off beyond the pitch. These sports stars have carried their winning strategies to the political arena, and have handled discourse using the same skill with which they pulled off dazzling dribbles. Beyond the cheers of adoring fans and the echoes of goal celebrations, some soccer luminaries have chosen a path less trodden, trading in their jerseys for suits, as they left football pitches for parliamentary halls.

1. Roman Pavlyuchenko

Image Source: Roman Pavlyuchenko of FC Spartak Moscow celebrates after scoring goal during the Russian Football League Championship match between FC Spartak and FC Amkar at the Luzhniki Stadium/Dima Korotayev/Epsilon/Getty Images

Before becoming a benchwarmer at White Hart Lane, Roman Pavlyuchenko, the Russian forward, took an unexpected detour into politics. In 2007, he threw his hat into the ring for local Russian elections in Stavropol, and in a surprising turn of events, secured a seat on the city council, representing Vladimir Putin's United Russian party. It's worth noting that his international teammate, Andrey Arshavin, also initially announced his candidacy from Putin's party but withdrew shortly before the polling day, adding an element of intrigue to the intersection of soccer and politics.

2. Marc Wilmots

Image Source: Marc Wilmots manager of Belgium gestures during the UEFA EURO 2016 quarter final match / Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

After a remarkable career on the field, Marc Wilmots, widely regarded as one of Belgium's greatest players, turned towards the world of politics upon his retirement in 2003. Eager to contribute to the development of sporting projects, he entered the Belgian senate. However, his political journey faced a moment of controversy when he resigned in 2005, drawing criticism from his fellow senators.

Despite this setback, Wilmots demonstrated a commitment to public service by agreeing to attend only the most crucial votes. He redirected his Senate wages towards an organization dedicated to promoting youth participation in sports.

3. Thomas Bodstrom

Image Source: Former Swedish footballer and current Swedish Justice Minister Thomas Bodstrom pictured 17 October 2000 in Luxembourg a few moments before the beginning of a joint meeting of European finance and justice ministers./AFP PHOTO BELGA/ Getty Images)

Thomas Bodstrom's sprint from the soccer field to the political arena is a story of unexpected turns and accomplishments. Having showcased his skills at the highest level in Sweden while playing for AIK Stockholm, Bodstrom transitioned into politics with a surprising leap. In a notable turn of events, despite his limited political experience, he assumed the role of the Swedish Minister for Justice in 2000, a position he held for six years. What sets Bodstrom's political journey apart is that, prior to this high-profile appointment, he had not even served as a Member of Parliament. His subsequent return to parliamentary duties after leaving the Justice Ministry was marked by criticism for his occasional absence, because of his day job as a defense lawyer.

4. Zico

Image Source: World Cup 1982, Spain, Brazil v Italy, An annoyed Zico stands frustrated in the penalty box/ Mark Leech/Getty Images

Zico, the legendary Brazilian footballer is a soccer legend both on the field and in the administrative corridors. In the early 90s, he took on the role of the Minister for Sport in Fernando Collor de Mello's administration. During his brief tenure, Zico made a significant impact by championing a bill aimed at assisting sports clubs in managing their business affairs more professionally. This legislative effort reflected Zico's commitment to the broader development of sports infrastructure and governance. His fellow Brazilian soccer legend, Pele, also became part of the political landscape, holding the distinguished title of 'Extraordinary Minister for Sport' in his homeland.

5. Grzegorz Lato

Image Source: Football, 1982 World Cup Finals, Second Phase, Barcelona, Spain, 28th June 1982, Poland 3 v Belgium 0, Poland's Grzegorz Lato during the Group A match / Bob Thomas / Getty Images)

Grzegorz Lato, who claimed the Golden Boot at the 1974 World Cup and enjoyed a stellar international soccer career, made a transition to politics in 2001. Joining the Democratic Left Alliance in Poland, he assumed the role of a senator. Currently, Lato holds the prestigious position of president of the Polish Football Association, but his foray into football administration came with its share of headlines. Lato gained attention for terminating the services of the national coach, Leo Beenhakker, on national television, a decision that followed a significant defeat by Slovenia.

6. Oleg Blokhin

Image Source: Soviet Union captain Oleg Blokhin in action during a 1984 European Championships qualifier against Portugal /Trevor Jones/Allsport/Getty Images

A stellar player with over 100 appearances for the USSR, Blokhin etched his name in soccer history by winning the old European Cup Winners' Cup twice. His scoring prowess in both finals added to his legendary status. Despite being unfairly barred from playing in the west due to Soviet restrictions, Blokhin's resilience found expression in his political journey. Elected to the Ukraine parliament on two occasions, Blokhin became a representative of his people. He later assumed the role of his country's coach, guiding them to their inaugural World Cup finals appearance in 2006. Blokhin's multifaceted career—from a magnificent player to a parliamentarian and national team coach—highlights his versatility and dedication to both sport and civic duty.

7. Gianni Rivera

Image Source: Italian professional footballer and midfielder with A C Milan, Gianni Rivera pictured during a training session /Rolls Press/Popperfoto via Getty Images

AC Milan legend Gianni Rivera served in the Italian parliament, and demonstrated his impact that extended beyond the realm of sports. His rise continued as he was appointed as an under-secretary for defense in Romano Prodi's government, contributing his skills to matters of national importance. Since 2001, Rivera has further enriched Italian sports as a sports administrator. This evolution from player to politician to sports administrator exemplifies Rivera's enduring commitment to contributing to different facets of public life.

8. David Icke

Image Source: Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Before capturing attention with controversial proclamations on British national television, David Icke's journey as a promising goalkeeper with Coventry City was cut short by chronic arthritis. He refused to give in, shifted gears to become a sports anchor, and later joined the Green Party in the late 80s, advocating for environmental causes ahead of the curve. Icke, however, gained notoriety for his conspiracy theory books, proposing an elaborate narrative involving a secret satanic Illuminati society orchestrating global control. According to his theories, this shadowy group manipulates everything from media and health to education, finance, and politics. Icke talked of a grand plan for a New World Order with a one-world government, currency, and a microchipped population. His claims extend to controversial viewpoints on events like 9/11, the economic crisis, and even Princess Diana's demise.

9. George Weah

Image Source: Liberia President George Weah speaks during the UN Climate Change Conference/ Yves Herman - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Renowned as the former World Player of the Year, George Weah stepped onto the political pitch in 2005, running for the highest office in his country Liberia. His campaign focused on social reform, and despite securing the most votes in the initial ballot, he fell short of a majority, missing the presidency. Although he hinted at legal action initially, Weah later refrained and has suggested the possibility of running for office again in the future.

10. Viktor Orban

Image Source: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban delivers a speech in front of the National Museum during Hungary's National Day/Laszlo Balogh/Getty Images

Known to enthusiasts of the Football Manager computer game, Viktor Orban, Hungary's former prime minister, had a noteworthy presence even in the virtual realm. Beyond the digital pitch, Orban played amateur football with Felcslut FC, maintaining his affiliation with the local club. In a display of his dedication to the sport, he famously canceled a cabinet meeting in 2001 to join a match for his team. Recent political developments indicate Orban's return to office, as his Fidesz party secured a majority in the recent election.