As the FIFA World Cup begins, football’s power to inspire reaches far beyond the pitch. Some of the game’s greatest names have gone on to shape public life and lead their nations.
Discover four footballers who became parliamentarians:
George Weah rose from FIFA World Player of the Year to become President of Liberia.
Oleg Blokhin, one of Ukraine’s football legends, served in Parliament while also managing top teams and the national side.
Kakha Kaladze of Georgia traded the football field for politics, becoming Deputy Prime Minister before being elected Mayor of Tbilisi.
Pelé, the only player to win three World Cups, later championed sports reform as Brazil’s Minister of Sport and a global ambassador for education and development.
From World Cup dreams to public service, these football icons show how leadership, determination and teamwork can make an impact on and off the field.
As a new generation of stars prepares to take centre stage, who might follow a similar path in the years ahead?