Life Beyond Football: Players With Careers Away From The Pitch
A natural route for many footballers after hanging up their boots is to go straight into coaching, management or punditry. Their love for the beautiful game means they just can’t imagine a life beyond the football pitch.
Others, however, have chosen completely different career paths. Some even pursue these passions in their spare time while they are still playing. Below, we take a look at some players who have bucked the trend and focused on something other than just football.
Vinnie Jones (Actor)
Known for his tough-tackling and fiery presence on the pitch, Vinnie Jones made a seamless transition from football hardman to Hollywood star.
After spells with Wimbledon, Leeds United, and Chelsea, Jones swapped the Premier League for the big screen, earning acclaim for his roles in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch.
His natural charisma and intimidating persona have kept him busy in film and television, proving that his larger-than-life personality works just as well in front of a camera as it did on the pitch.
Thomas Gravesen (Poker Player)
The Danish midfielder, famous for his no-nonsense playing style at Everton and Real Madrid, surprised many when he retired to live in Las Vegas. There, he reportedly became a successful high-stakes poker player, rubbing shoulders with professionals and celebrities alike.
While details of his poker winnings remain a mystery, Gravesen’s post-football lifestyle — complete with a millionaire’s mansion and a taste for high-stakes entertainment — perfectly reflects his fearless attitude.
Lukas Podolski (Kebab Shop Owner)
World Cup winner Lukas Podolski may be known for his powerful left foot, but his business ventures have shown a softer side. The German forward owns several kebab shops and ice cream parlours in his hometown of Cologne, combining his love for food and community.
His “Mangal Döner” chain has become a fan favourite, reflecting Podolski’s down-to-earth charm and his desire to give back to his local area long after his footballing days. At the age of 40, he is still playing football for the Polish outfit, Gornik Zabrze.
Petr Čech (Ice Hockey Player & Musician)
After a glittering career as one of the Premier League’s finest goalkeepers, Petr Čech decided to swap gloves, trading football ones for ice hockey pads. A long-time fan of the sport, he joined the Guildford Phoenix as a goaltender, impressing fans with his athleticism and competitive spirit.
Away from the rink, Čech is also a talented drummer, often sharing his musical performances online. His ventures show a man driven by passion, precision, and an enduring love of competition.
Mathieu Flamini (Green Energy Mogul)
The former Arsenal player has quietly transformed himself from footballer to green-energy mogul through his role as co-founder (with Pasquale Granata) and CEO of GF Biochemicals, a pioneering company in bio-based chemistry.
While bold media reports have speculated that his stake in the business makes him a billionaire, claiming valuations of up to £10 billion, Flamini himself has repeatedly denied sitting on a £30 billion fortune, clarifying that those numbers reflect the market potential for levulinic acid rather than his personal bank balance.
Grant Holt (Wrestler)
A cult hero at Norwich City, Grant Holt took an unexpected turn after football by stepping into the wrestling ring.
Known for his strength and physical presence as a striker, Holt brought that same energy to professional wrestling, even competing in events under the World Association of Wrestling banner.
His foray into sports entertainment proved his willingness to embrace new challenges and have fun doing it.
Daniel Agger (Tattoo Artist)
During his time at Liverpool, Daniel Agger was known for his leadership, loyalty, and his heavily tattooed body. After retiring, he turned that personal passion into a profession by co-owning a tattoo studio in Denmark.
His artistic side and attention to detail have made him a respected figure in the tattoo community.
Philippe Albert (Fruit & Veg Proprietor)
Once a stylish defender for Newcastle United and the Belgian national team, Philippe Albert has since traded football boots for produce crates.
After retiring, he returned to Belgium to run a successful fruit and vegetable business, supplying local communities with fresh produce. It’s a humble and honest trade that reflects Albert’s grounded personality, a stark contrast to the glamour of professional football, but one that he seems to relish wholeheartedly.
Final Thoughts
These players have proven that there is more to life than just football. It may even provide food for thought for former footballers who are finding roles in the game hard to come by, that with a bit of hard work and innovation, they too could potentially follow a different path and still be successful.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
