While some former footballers have embarked on movie careers, pundit careers, managerial careers and others, some former professionals have gone into politics – something we're not too used to seeing.
The Fan Park crew brings you a few footballers who tried to become politicians, and while some failed miserably, others succeeded.
George Weah
The former Liberian footballer, who plied his trade with top clubs in Europe like AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, began his political life in 2005 - when he formed a party to run against former United Nations director Ellen Johnson. Though he made it to the final round of voting, Weah failed in his bid to take over the throne in Liberia, as the people voted for a more experienced party. However, in 2014 Weah was elected as Senate.
Andriy Shevchenko
The former AC Milan and Chelsea striker ended his professional career in 2012, and just days after that he joined Ukraine's political party 'Forward!' However, soon after, Shevchenko's political career was over as his party never won a single seat in the Parliamentary elections.
Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko
The Russian pair, who both played in England for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, joined Vladimir Putin's United Russia party in 2007. While Arshavin pulled out of the campaign days before the polls, Pavlyuchenko served on the Stavropol Duma.
Romario
The Brazil legend was elected to the Rio de Janeiro Chamber of Deputies in 2010, and also spoke strongly against FIFA for "robbing the Brazilian people" in the build-up to the 2014 World Cup. In the same year, Romario was elected as a senator, representing his home state of Rio after winning the most ever votes for a candidate.
Did you know that these footballers tried their hand in politics?
