10 Footballers Who Ventured into Politics
Footballers stepping into the political arena is more common than you might think. These former players have used their influence and platforms to engage in politics and social issues. Here’s a look at ten such footballers who ventured beyond the pitch to make a mark in politics.
1. George Weah
Political Career Span: 2005-Present
Achievements:
- Position: Striker
- National Team: Liberia
- Notable Clubs: AS Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Manchester City, Marseille
- Role in Politics: President of Liberia, Senator
George Weah is a historic figure in both football and politics. After a stellar football career, including winning the Ballon d’Or in 1995, Weah turned to politics in Liberia.
He ran for the presidency in 2005 and, although initially unsuccessful, he persisted and was eventually elected President of Liberia in 2017. Weah served until 2023, making him the first professional footballer to become a head of state.
Embed from Getty Images2. Kakha Kaladze
Political Career Span: 2012-Present
Achievements:
- Position: Left-back, centre-back
- National Team: Georgia
- Notable Clubs: Dinamo Tbilisi, Dynamo Kyiv, AC Milan, Genoa
- Role in Politics: Mayor of Tbilisi, Former Deputy Prime Minister, Former Minister of Energy
After retiring from a successful career in football, Kakha Kaladze entered Georgian politics. He became a member of parliament and later served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy. Kaladze is currently the Mayor of Tbilisi, having been re-elected in 2021.
3. Romario
Political Career Span: 2010-Present
Achievements:
- Position: Striker
- National Team: Brazil
- Notable Clubs: Vasco da Gama, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Flamengo, Fluminense
- Role in Politics: Member of the Chamber of Deputies, Former Vice President of the Federal Senate
Romario, a World Cup winner in 1994, transitioned to politics in 2010. He has focused on corruption in football and social issues. Elected as a senator in 2014, he continues to be a significant political figure in Brazil.
4. Pele
Political Career Span: 1994-2022
Achievements:
- Position: Striker
- National Team: Brazil
- Notable Clubs: Santos, New York Cosmos
- Role in Politics: UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Extraordinary Minister for Sport in Brazil
Pele’s impact extended beyond football. He served as Brazil’s Extraordinary Minister for Sport and was involved in various humanitarian and environmental causes as a UN ambassador.
5. Socrates
Political Career Span: 1978-2011
Achievements:
- Position: Midfielder
- National Team: Brazil
- Notable Clubs: Botafogo, Corinthians, Fiorentina, Flamengo, Santos
- Role in Politics: Activist, Humanitarian
Known for his intelligence and political awareness, Socrates co-founded the Corinthians Democracy movement, opposing Brazil’s military regime. His activism remains a powerful legacy.
6. Hakan Sukur
Political Career Span: 2011-Present
Achievements:
- Position: Striker
- National Team: Turkey
- Notable Clubs: Bursaspor, Galatasaray, Inter Milan
- Role in Politics: Former Member of Parliament, Activist
Hakan Sukur, Turkey’s all-time top scorer, entered parliament in 2011 but later faced exile due to political tensions with President Erdogan’s regime. Sukur now lives in the USA.
Embed from Getty Images7. Lilian Thuram
Political Career Span: 2005-Present
Achievements:
- Position: Centre-back, right-back
- National Team: France
- Notable Clubs: Monaco, Parma, Juventus, Barcelona
- Role in Politics: Activist
Lilian Thuram, a World Cup and Euro champion, is known for his activism against racism and support for same-sex marriage. He declined a political position but remains a vocal advocate for social justice.
Image via Wikimedia Commons
8. Zico
Political Career Span: 1990-2015
Achievements:
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- National Team: Brazil
- Notable Clubs: Flamengo, Udinese, Kashima Antlers
- Role in Politics: Brazil Sports Minister, FIFA Presidency Candidate
Zico served briefly as Brazil’s Sports Minister and attempted to run for FIFA presidency in 2015. His influence extended to administrative roles in football clubs.
Embed from Getty Images9. Sol Campbell
Political Career Span: 2015-2016
Achievements:
- Position: Centre-back
- National Team: England
- Notable Clubs: Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Portsmouth, Newcastle United
- Role in Politics: Conservative Party Candidate, London Mayoral Election 2016
Sol Campbell, known for his controversial switch between Spurs and Arsenal, briefly ventured into politics with the Conservative Party, running for the London Mayoral nomination in 2016.
10. Cuauhtemoc Blanco
Political Career Span: 2015-Present
Achievements:
- Position: Forward, Attacking Midfielder
- National Team: Mexico
- Notable Clubs: Club America, Real Valladolid, Chicago Fire
- Role in Politics: Governor of Morelos, Mexico
Cuauhtemoc Blanco, a Mexican football icon, transitioned into politics by becoming the Governor of Morelos. His career in politics began with his election as municipal president of Cuernavaca in 2015.
Embed from Getty Images10 Footballers Who Ventured into Politics
