For many athletes and footballers, life after retirement means staying within the game—whether through coaching, punditry, or management.
However, some take a completely different path, venturing into new sporting disciplines. From ice hockey to professional wrestling, these former footballers proved their athleticism extended far beyond the pitch.
Michael Jordan – Baseball
Michael Jordan is famously known for his switch from basketball to baseball. After retiring from the NBA in 1993, he pursued a career in professional baseball, signing with the Chicago White Sox and playing for their minor league affiliate, the Birmingham Barons in 1994. However, his baseball stint was short-lived, and he returned to the NBA in 1995, leading the Chicago Bulls to three more championships.
Eric Cantona – Beach Soccer
Manchester United legend Eric Cantona didn’t stay away from football for long after his shock retirement in 1997. He transitioned to beach soccer, joining the France national team in 2002. Cantona later took on the role of coach, leading France to victory in the restructured Beach Soccer World Cup in 2005.
Ilhan Mansiz – Figure Skating
Turkish football hero Ilhan Mansiz, known for scoring the Golden Goal that sent Turkey to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals, took up figure skating years after his football career ended. Teaming up with partner Olga Bestandigova, Mansiz attempted to qualify for the 2014 Winter Olympics, though they ultimately fell short.
Petr Cech – Ice Hockey
Former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech made a surprising move to ice hockey in 2019. He signed with Guildford Phoenix as a goaltender and made an immediate impact, delivering a match-winning performance in a penalty shootout victory over Swindon Wildcats 2 on his debut.
Bixente Lizarazu – Jiujitsu
World Cup-winning French defender Bixente Lizarazu found a new challenge in jiujitsu. His dedication paid off in 2009 when he won the European Blue Belt Senior 1 Light Division title, proving his competitive spirit remained as strong as ever.
Daniele Massaro – Rally Driving
AC Milan great and 1994 World Cup finalist Daniele Massaro opted for high-speed thrills in retirement, switching to rally driving. He competed in the World Rally Championship in 1998 and 1999 as part of the Opel team.
Tim Wiese – Professional Wrestling
Former Bundesliga goalkeeper Tim Wiese sought a different kind of battle when he transitioned to professional wrestling. After an initial appearance as a special guest timekeeper at a WWE event in Frankfurt, Wiese eventually stepped into the ring himself.
Bruce Arena – Lacrosse
Before becoming a renowned football manager, Bruce Arena was a talented lacrosse player. He even won a world championship in 1974, showcasing his versatility across two different sports.
Shane Long – Hurling
Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long excelled in hurling before focusing on football. He represented Tipperary at the minor level and twice reached the All-Ireland semi-finals before making his mark in the Premier League.
Mick Channon – Horse Racing
A former England international in the 1970s, Mick Channon carved out a successful career as a horse racing trainer. His achievements included producing the Classic-winning horse Samitar, which triumphed in the 2012 Irish 1,000 Guineas.
Curtis Woodhouse – Boxing
Sheffield United midfielder Curtis Woodhouse made a bold move into boxing after falling out of love with football. His determination saw him win the British Lightweight title, proving his sporting prowess extended beyond the football field.
