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It is often said that sport and politics should not mix, but that separation is almost impossible. Sport reflects society, and football, in particular, wields enormous cultural and political influence across the world. Through their experiences on and off the pitch, footballers develop leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills that mirror those required in governance. Over the years, many of them have been drawn into politics, sometimes through political parties seeking popular support, and at other times through a genuine desire to make positive change. This article highlights ten footballers who made that remarkable leap.
Andriy Shevchenko
Andriy Shevchenko was a remarkable football player. Throughout his career, he represented reputable teams like Chelsea, AC Milan, and Dynamo Kyiv. Additionally, he won the coveted Ballon d’Or.
Throughout his playing days, Shevchenko’s interest in politics was notable, and in the 90s he publicly backed the Social Democratic Party of Ukraine (united). He also joined Ukraine Forward immediately after retirement in 2012 before going into coaching.
George Weah
George Weah is regarded as one of football’s greats, as he is the only player from Africa to win the Ballon d’Or to date, with stints with teams such as Chelsea, AC Milan, and AS Monaco.
His first stint in politics was in 2005 when he contested for Liberia’s presidency; however, he lost to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. In 2018, he was sworn in as president.
Romario Romario was a great player who played for SV Eindhoven, FC Barcelona, Fluminense and Flamengo. In addition to winning the Copa America twice in 1989 and 1997, he was a member of the 1994 FIFA World Cup-winning team.
Currently serving as a senator from Rio de Janeiro since 2014, Romário has dedicated his legislative efforts to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. He is a passionate advocate for marginalised communities and a champion of improved healthcare, education, and anti-corruption policies.
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