10 footballers who served in military before football fame

Football has produced some of the world’s biggest sporting stars, but several prominent footballers also have military backgrounds.

From mandatory national service to active military duty, these footballers served in the armed forces before or during their professional careers.

Here are 10 notable footballers who were former military personnel.

1. Son Heung-min

South Korea captain Son Heung-min completed his mandatory military service with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps in 2020.

His service was shortened to about three weeks after he helped South Korea win the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, which earned the squad an exemption from the country’s standard lengthy military service requirement.

2. Eric Cantona

Former Manchester United and France forward Eric Cantona completed two years of compulsory military service in the French Army.

Cantona later established himself as one of the most influential players in Manchester United’s history.

3. Sir Bobby Charlton

England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps during his national service.

He also represented the British Army football team before going on to win the 1966 World Cup with England.

4. Duncan Edwards

Manchester United great Duncan Edwards also served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

The midfielder completed his military service while beginning his professional football career and went on to become one of the most highly regarded players of his generation.

5. Paolo Maldini

Italy and AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini completed compulsory military service in the Italian Army.

Maldini subsequently enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades with AC Milan and the Italy national team.

6. Fabio Cannavaro

Former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro served in the Italian military between 1995 and 1996.

The defender later captained Italy to victory at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and won the Ballon d’Or that same year.

7. Gary Holt

Former Scotland international Gary Holt served in the Army Catering Corps and played for the British Army football team.

He later built a professional career that included spells with Norwich City and Kilmarnock.

8. Teemu Tainio

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Teemu Tainio completed military service in the Finnish Defence Forces.

The Finland international later played in France and England, including for Tottenham and Sunderland.

9. Bruce Grobbelaar

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar was conscripted into the Rhodesian Army in 1975.

He served during the Rhodesian Bush War before establishing himself as Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper and helping the club win several major trophies.

10. Gordon Astall

Former England international Gordon Astall served in the Royal Marines during World War II.

After his military service, he continued his football career and represented England at international level.