'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
There is no denying that football has always had a connection with politics in one way or the other, being the most famous sport in the world surely attracts a lot of attention from every corner, and every field in the world. In fact, a lot of sporting events cannot be conducted until the higher authority makes it possible.
Footballers of the past and present are considered as idols and role models. Their leadership qualities have proven to be a life learning lesson for most of us. The likes of Lilian Thuram and Pele who have made a name for themselves in the field of politics are examples of the fact that footballers and athletes as well can do well in political office.
5 such footballers who are renowned personalities, and are extremely decorated, have attempted a shot in the dark, and some have become successful and known politicians in the world.
#5 Andrey Arshavin - FC Kairat
Arshavin is one of those players that Arsenal fans cannot forget, due to the fact that his 4 seasons at Arsenal were actually filled with a number of injuries and goal problems. Arsene Wenger decided to get rid of the winger, as he was proving to be an obstacle for younger, more deserving talents.
However, his stint with Zenit St. Petersburg was much better in comparison to his time at the Emirates, justifying the fact that he was a talent with a lot of potentials.
At 36, the Russian continues to perform with the Kazakhstan side FC Kairat. Albeit, a lesser known fact is that Arshavin actually ran for Putin's party in the regional council elections, but withdrew.
Arshavin was eventually told to concentrate on football. Arshavin continues to play, but he could soon return to politics after hanging his boots once and for all.
#4 Sol Campbell
A career that spanned more than 20 years, Campbell is one of the most iconic defenders of his generation, and is known for his time with clubs like Tottenham and Arsenal. He is often considered as one of the most decorated centre backs in the history of the Premier League. Campbell surely was on top of his game under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, winning multiple accolades.
A lesser-known fact about the former English defender is that he has been involved heavily with British politics after his retirement in 2011.
Campbell declared in 2014 that he was running for office after his stint with the Conservative Party. The very next year, the former Arsenal defender put himself on the list for the Mayor of London, but failed to garner a place in the shortlist.
#3 George Weah
Widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time, Weah was a striker who was predominantly famous in the 90s, developing the 'free-flow' style of football that most of the modern-day strikers apply in their play.
His time with clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, AS Monaco, and AC Milan were some of his most successful years as a football player. With over 300 goals for multiple clubs, Weah exemplified the strength of African football in Europe, and is regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the history of AS Monaco.
Probably one of the most successful footballer turned politician, Weah was elected as the 25th President of Liberia, assuming the office in January 2018. This was news that came out of nowhere, as he was never expected to win the elections.
#2 Romario
Widely regarded as one of the most clinical finishers in the history of the sport, Romario was known for his stint with the Brazilian national team, with whom he won the 1994 World Cup. He was one of only few players from the 1994 World Cup squad who played till the 2010s in their 40s.
At club level, he couldn't sustain the tempo for much longer, but broke multiple records for every major club he played for. Former Barcelona coach Johan Cruyff described him as a 'complete attacker'.
He was elected as a senator in 2014, and recently announced his decision to run for the governor's position of Rio de Janeiro. He is deemed to focus on the corruption that goes on in football, and has spoken harshly against the management of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. At the moment, the Brazilian legend is focusing on the upcoming elections.
#1 Pele
The greatest who ever lived didn't simply become the greatest, as with over 1200 career goals, and a splendid career with more silverware than any other player on the planet and in the history of the sport, the Brazilian legend is often 'worshiped' by many who follow the sport.
He is seen to have enjoyed his time after retiring in 1977. With his work as UNESCO's Goodwill Ambassador and a UN Ambassador for ecology and the environment, Pele in addition was also the minister of sports in Brazil, and did a lot of work in that position.
Another fact is that he had a legislation of his own named the 'Pele law', a motion that focuses on reducing corruption in Brazilian football. However, the legislation was dropped, and Pele resigned after he was rumored to have been involved in a corruption scandal himself.
