Celebrities That Are Good At Soccer

Many American celebrities didn't decide their careers early in life. Most of them did various sports growing up. Surprisingly, some celebrities were talented soccer players, but unfortunate events during their soccer career led them to pursue other paths. Celebrities like Tom Cruise, Channing Tatum and Steve Nash were all skilled soccer players in their youth and came close to chasing professional soccer careers. Let’s take a closer look at which celebrities excelled in soccer and were once on the brink of becoming professional footballers.

Channing Tatum

During his teenage years, Hollywood star Channing Tatum played soccer while growing up. At a younger age, Tatum represented his school, Tampa Catholic High School, as part of their soccer team. Interestingly, one of his acting roles involved playing a soccer player in the movie She's the Man, where he portrayed the captain of his high school team. Tatum then decided to pursue a career in acting, starring in popular movies such as 21 Jump Street and Magic Mike. These days, Tatum can still kick a ball and would undoubtedly showcase his skills if invited to play in a match.

Channing Tatum captaining his team in the Movie "She's The Man" 

Tom Cruise

Hollywood star Tom Cruise once pursued a soccer career during his younger years. Cruise played soccer in Canada and was regarded as one of the best players on his high school team. Unfortunately, his aspirations were cut short when he suffered a serious foot injury during high school. After his injury, Cruise decided to step away from soccer and start a new chapter in his life. Cruise went on to become one of the best actors in the world, starring in movies such as Top Gun, Mission: Impossible and American Made. Although he stopped playing soccer, Cruise remains a fan of the sport and frequently attends matches, especially those of his favorite team, LA Galaxy.

Young Tom Cruise as a soccer playing in his High School Team

Will Ferrell

Actor and Comedian Will Ferrell was considered as a promising soccer talent during his high school years. Standing at over six feet tall during his time in school, Ferrell’s height made him a dominant presence in the air. His coach often utilized him in different positions, to utilize his physical advantage. However, Ferrell decided that soccer wasn't the sport for him so he decided to go into acting. These days, he still occasionally participates in charity soccer matches, although his pace on the field is slower compared to his younger days. Will Ferrell is a fan of Chelsea FC and also a shareholder in his favourite MLS Team, Los Angeles FC.

Will Ferrell playing in the Soccer Aid Match in 2012 at Old Trafford

Jason Statham

During his teenage years, Jason Statham was a close friend of former soccer player Vinnie Jones. Vinnie Jones, who played soccer professionally for 15 years, introduced Statham into the sport. Statham quickly excelled, becoming one of the best players at his high school and showing great potential to pursue a professional soccer career. However, he eventually decided to explore different paths, including diving and acting. Now, Statham is one of the most successful actors in Hollywood, best known for his role in Fast & Furious movie series. Jason Statham still occasionally plays soccer, especially when invited to participate in charity matches.

Jason Statham playing in soccer for survivors celebrity match

Chad Ochocinco

Chad Ochocinco had a successful NFL career, despite never winning the Super Bowl. Before he started playing football, Ochocinco was also passionate about soccer. To stay in shape, he trained with Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City during the 2011 NFL lockout. Despite his efforts to stay in shape and make an impression, he wasn't chosen for the team. In 2013, he also featured in some Kansas City reserve matches, showing his soccer skills, but ultimately he didn't make the final squad.

Chad Ochocinco training with Sporting Kansas City

Steve Nash

Former All star NBA player, Steve Nash had the potential to become a soccer player perhaps more than other athletes. Nash was confident that he was capable of making it as a professional in soccer. While playing Basketball professionally, Nash spent time training with New York Red Bulls during his stay in New York. Nash didn't start playing basketball until he was 13 years old, as he prioritized soccer in his early years.

Nash is also a part-owner of the MLS soccer team Vancouver Whitecaps, where he is highly active and shows strong commitment to the club. In 2023, Nash participated in a 7-a-side tournament representing Como 1907, leading the team to the quarterfinals and further proving that his soccer talent is still there.

Steve Nash playing soccer in a celebrity match in 2022

Louis Tomlinson

Louis Tomlinson, a member of the successful boy band One Direction, had a passion for soccer growing up. During his soccer journey, Tomlinson had the opportunity to play with Doncaster Rovers on a non-contract basis, an experience he described as a dream come true. Even today, when invited to charity matches, he continues to showcase his soccer skills and passion for the game.

Louis Tomlinson playing in England's Soccer Aid Football team in 2014

IShowSpeed

Famous streamer, IShowSpeed is a huge soccer fan idolizing former Real Madrid and Manchester United legend, Cristiano Ronaldo.  While IShowSpeed may not be the most skilled soccer player, he certainly deserves recognition for his impact on soccer's popularity in the U.S. Speed frequently teams up with professional players for his soccer-related content, having previously collaborated with Real Madrid's rising star Endrick and former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

IShowSpeed posing in a Manchester United shirt at Old Trafford

Despite his enthusiasm in soccer, there’s still room for improvement, particularly his finishing in front of goal. Speed is exceptionally quick and has a good sense of ball control, but his composure in front of goal needs improvement. Check out the clip below to witness some of the unbelievable misses he has made in the latest charity match he played in. It’s both entertaining and a reflection to his ongoing journey.

Most of these celebrities were destined to become soccer players, but ultimately they all chose a different career path where they succeeded instead. Although they didn't become soccer players, all of them left their mark in the game, influencing other people in soccer.