10 Footballers Who Switched to Politics

It is often said that sports and politics should not mix, but that’s easier said than done. Football, especially, holds so much cultural and emotional power that its stars often become more than athletes, they become voices of influence. 

Many players, after years of teamwork, leadership, and public recognition, have found themselves drawn into politics, sometimes to serve their people, and sometimes because political parties saw in them a chance to win the hearts of voters.

Here are the footballers who turned their fame on the pitch into political impact.

Andriy Shevchenko 

Andriy Shevchenko was one of Europe’s most gifted strikers, known for his time at AC Milan, Chelsea, and Dynamo Kyiv. After winning the Ballon d’Or, Shevchenko’s influence extended beyond football. Even during his playing days, he showed interest in politics, supporting the Social Democratic Party of Ukraine in the 1990s. 

Following his retirement in 2012, he joined the political party Ukraine Forward before later moving into coaching. His journey reflects how sports fame can naturally lead to a desire for civic engagement.

George Weah

George Weah remains the only African footballer to ever win the Ballon d’Or. His story is legendary from the streets of Monrovia to global stardom with AC Milan, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain. But Weah’s most impressive goal came off the pitch. 

After losing his first presidential race in 2005, he stayed persistent. In 2018, he was sworn in as Liberia’s president, becoming one of the few footballers to lead a country. His rise from player to president is an inspiring tale of perseverance and purpose.

Romário 

Romário, the skillful striker who dazzled fans at Barcelona and helped Brazil win the 1994 World Cup, took a different kind of challenge after retirement. Elected as a senator from Rio de Janeiro in 2014, he has focused his political career on defending the rights of people with disabilities, inspired partly by his own daughter’s experience with Down syndrome. 

Romário has been an outspoken critic of corruption and inequality, showing that the same drive that made him a football legend now fuels his passion for justice.

Lilian Thuram

Lilian Thuram, known for his intelligence and strength in defense for France and Juventus, never ran for political office but remains one of football’s most socially conscious voices. 

After retirement, he became a respected author, speaker, and activist. Through his Lilian Thuram Foundation, he fights racism and discrimination in Europe, using his platform to promote education and equality. While not an elected politician, his influence in social and political spaces is undeniable.

Hakan Şükür 

Hakan Şükür, Turkey’s all-time top scorer, took his fame from the football field into parliament in 2011 under the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). However, his time in politics was short and complicated. His association with the preacher Fethullah Gülen later accused of involvement in a failed coup turned Şükür into a political exile.

Once celebrated as a national hero, he now lives abroad, far from the game and the politics that once defined him.

Sol Campbell

Sol Campbell, who played for both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, has never shied away from expressing his political opinions. After retiring, he voiced support for Britain’s Conservative Party and even sought to run for London mayor in 2015. 

Though he didn’t make the shortlist, Campbell remained active in political debates, especially on housing and tax policies. His outspoken nature continues to spark public discussion about how athletes can use their platforms for political engagement.

Cuauhtémoc Blancor

Cuauhtémoc Blanco, one of Mexico’s most charismatic footballers, transitioned smoothly from scoring goals to governing people. In 2015, he became the mayor of Cuernavaca under the Social Democratic Party. His popularity grew, and by 2018, he was elected governor of Morelos. Despite facing political challenges, Blanco remains a beloved figure who brought his competitive spirit from the field into leadership.

Kakha Kaladze 

Kakha Kaladze, who spent nearly a decade with AC Milan, retired from football in 2012 and quickly joined politics. As a member of the Georgian Dream party, he became a parliamentarian, then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy. 

In 2017, he reached another milestone elected as Mayor of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. Kaladze’s journey shows how the discipline of football can translate into leadership and responsibility.

Pelé 

Pelé, often called the greatest footballer of all time, also made his mark in politics. After retiring, he became Brazil’s Extraordinary Minister for Sport and a global ambassador for education and the environment. He helped push for the “Pelé Law,” which aimed to fight corruption in Brazilian sports. Beyond politics, his humanitarian efforts earned him global respect, a true symbol of how sports figures can influence more than just the game.

Zico 

Zico, another Brazilian legend, is remembered for his brilliance with the ball and his deep understanding of the game. After his playing career, he briefly entered football administration and politics, even running for FIFA presidency in 2015. Although he didn’t win, Zico continued working in sports management and development, proving that his leadership extended far beyond the pitch.