xXx - The Return of Xander Cage is the third instalment in the popular xXx franchise, starring Vin Diesel and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. The story revolves around stuntman cum extreme sports enthusiast who turns spy for the National Security Agency.
Vin Diesel has once again brought back the xXx franchise from the ashes, after the second instalment which had Ice Cube in the lead role bombed at the box office. With an increased budget and a new director, xXx - The Return of Xander Cage is one of the most awaited movies of the year. The film has garnered more attention with Bollywood actress, Deepika Padukone playing a prominent role in the movie.
Even FC Barcelona superstar, Neymar Jr has a brief cameo in the movie and is enough to pull football fans to the cinemas. In case Vin Diesel decides to step down as Agent xXx anytime in the future, let’s take a look at few famous footballers who could play the role.
#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
To become a spy, an individual requires all the characteristics to outwit, outsmart and outmuscle the enemy and Zlatan Ibrahimovic definitely has all of these features. The Swedish footballer can walk right into the shoes of Agent xXx, because as we know, he doesn’t do auditions.
Given his narcissistic character, Zlatan mirrors the image Vin Diesel had brought to the movie in the first part. Not to forget his Taekwondo skills, the man got his black belt just at the age of 17 years! Bad guys would definitely not want to be messing with this man.
All spies have many enemies they made over the years, and Ibrahimovic has a similar case, having made enemies with a few former managers and teammates in the past. You can also call him a philosopher at times with his witty quotes.
#2 Neymar Jr
The Brazilian superstar is currently one of the most sought after footballers in the world and has built a global brand of his own. Neymar is known for his fancy feet and tricks with the ball and has no difficulty nutmegging defenders on the field.
Neymar could similarly leave his enemies for dead in a threatening situation in the role of xXx, only this time using fast cars, advanced weapons, and futuristic gadgets. Sometimes spies need to dress well to blend in and Neymar has quite an exceptional taste in fashion and is also an occasional model for clothing lines.
So the Brazilian really brings some style to the spy game. And who knows if his brief cameo in the movie could spark a spin-off series in the future?
#3 Radja Nainggolan
Shave off the mohawk and this Belgian international footballer comes pretty close in terms of looks with Vin Diesel. Although he is not quite popular at the moment, Nainggolan is definitely a talented footballer and a key player for AS Roma.
The midfielder is fondly remembered for his 25-meter goal against Wales at the European Championship held earlier this year. There a few noticeable things that relate Nainggolan to xXx, one of them being his tattoos.
The 28-year-old has got tattoos on most parts of his body including his arms, chest, and thighs. Now all he needs to do is get xXx tattooed over his neck and he can join the National Security Agency. Nainggolan also speaks four different languages including, English, Italian, Dutch and French, a pretty useful trait to have for any secret agent.
#4 Emre Can
The former Bayern Munich player has gotten accustomed to the English conditions pretty quickly after leaving Germany. This versatile Liverpool player is not just a talented footballer but also a pretty decent looking fella and has a pretty good female following.
Can is nicknamed ‘The Tank’ by the Liverpool supporters for his physical presence on the field. Given his Turkish ancestry, it would be hard for anyone to believe that he is, in fact, a German national and this constitutes to him making a considerable spy. Can’s good looking features mixed with his strong personality only adds to ‘xXx’ factor.
#5 Cristiano Ronaldo
There is no denying the exceptional athleticism of Cristiano Ronaldo; the man is a perfect package of looks, talent, wit, wisdom, and discipline. Some of the many feature that a secret agent requires. It is easy to imagine the Portuguese man doing death-defying stunts, chasing villains, driving super fast cars, romancing woman, all while saving the world.
The world could definitely use an inspirational spy who does not smoke nor drink at the moment.
Maybe the National Security Agency should be looking more into the world of sports for recruiting secret agents.
