Are you busy tracking stats to predict which teams will dominate the upcoming leagues? You will be surprised to know some of the football legends you follow have not limited their careers to the football field. They have also impressed millions with their acting in the film industry. Sounds crazy, right? Watching your favorite football superstar on the big screens?
Several famous football players have made the leap from the stadiums to the big screen. After garnering immense fame on the field, they have also tasted a new type of fame in the film and television industries. If this excites you and you just want to watch the star footballers on the big screens, join us. In this piece, we will unwrap the list of footballers who appeared in popular movies.
Eric Cantona – In search of Eric
During his time at Manchester United, Eric Cantona was already a crowd-puller, all thanks to his charismatic personality and aura on the field. But Eric did not stop there. He entered the world of movies to reach a new level of the game. Cantona portrayed a fictitious version of himself in Looking for Eric, directed by Ken Loach.
The story revolved around Eric, who served as a life coach to a struggling postman. Cantona’s performance did not look like a newbie in this space. He was widely praised for the authenticity and poetic delivery, and the film was well received by critics. So, if you are an Eric Cantona fan, Looking for Eric is a must-watch.
David Beckham – King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
David Beckham shocked every fan with his cameo role in the fantasy epic movie, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. While the role was small, his performance was impactful.
Coming from the bucket Guy Ritchie, the movie created immense hype, and the presence of Beckham as a gruff soldier elevated the craze among the fans. Although the movie got 6.7 out of 10 stars on IMDB, for the David Beckham fans, it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Frank Leboeuf – The Theory of Everything
We all know Frank Leboeuf is a beast on the field. His 1998 World Cup win is still fresh in every football fan’s heart. So, how about watching him on big screens? He had a minor but impactful role in the Oscar-winning biopic about Stephen Hawking. He played the role of a Swiss doctor, which stunned thousands of viewers. He did not stop there.
After retiring, Leboeuf stepped into the world of acting. He appeared in a couple of French- and English-language films. Another small but brilliant performance coming from Frank includes his role in The Theory of Everything. So, if you want to watch a football star who unwrapped the actor within himself, these movies are a must-watch.
These crossovers are part of a growing trend—just like how television series are based on football, bringing drama and behind-the-scenes stories to our screens, these real-life footballers are doing the reverse by entering the world of acting.
Even as fans keep one eye on the FIFA Club World Cup odds to see who might lift the trophy this season, it’s fun to explore how some of these stars have lifted the curtain on a whole new world—cinema.
Pelé – Escape to Victory
Escape to Victory is undoubtedly a cult classic movie. With the big stars on board, including Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine, the movie created a huge buzz. This was the movie where the Brazilian legend Pelé grabbed the limelight playing a prisoner of war who escapes through a football match staged by the Nazis. Pelé’s extraordinary skills, including his famous overhead kick, on screen, were a treat for every fan.
Other Footballers Who Appeared On The Big Screen
- Neymar Jr. stunned every fan with his out of the box cameo in xXx: Return of Xander Cage alongside Vin Diesel.
- You see, Ronaldinho appeared in movies like Kung Fu Yoga with Jackie Chan and many Brazilian comedies.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović voiced a character in the Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom movie.
Conclusion
With the film industry turning out to be a hub of fame, several popular footballers are choosing to try their acting skills. This is creating a win-win situation for both the football and film industries, grabbing the attention of millions of fans.
So, with the world of sports and entertainment blending, don’t be surprised if your favorite player is the next breakout star. If you are an ardent movie buff, don’t forget to check out some of their screen appearances—you might just discover a new side to your sporting hero.
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