Football and acting might be two different genres, but when an individual excels in either genre, they are called superstars of that respective genre. Up-and-coming youngsters idolise them and look up to them as their hero.
While football and acting might be two different genres, we have seen two genres come together and deliver some amazing football movies, web series, and documentaries or even produce some brilliantly crafted biographies on various football players.
That’s not the only time these two genres worked together. What if I tell you that some of the biggest footballing superstars have been attracted by the glamour of the film industry?
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In this article, we take a look at some of the top footballing superstars who have worked in movies other than their football careers.
Top Football Superstars Who Have Worked in Movies
Vinnie Jones
The former Wimbledon and Chelsea footballer Vinnie Jones received recognition for his tough style of play. After retirement, he didn’t hold back and entered the film industry. He has featured in several top-level Hollywood movies; the list includes the likes of “Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels”, “X-Men: The Last Stand”, and “Eurotrip”. He gained quite the recognition for his ability to play serious and tough character roles, just like he was as a footballer.
Eric Cantona
Former French footballer Eric Cantona was quite a decorated footballer for Manchester United. He was quite a fan favourite among the United fans for his achievements for the club. After retirement from the game, he entered the film industry. He made his acting debut in 1995 with the television film “Eleven Men Against Eleven”. Among his popular works in the industry is Elizabeth, and he played himself in “Looking for Eric” and “The Class of ’92” and was most recently featured in “The Killer” in 2024.
Pele
Former footballing legend Brazil’s Pelé was not only a great football player who once dominated the game, but outside of the game, he was involved in the film industry since 1969. Among his notable works in the film industry is “Escape to Victory”, a sports movie in which prisoners played against the German soldiers during World War 2. He has also worked alongside famous actors like Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, etc.
Neymar Jr.
While the above-mentioned names are mostly footballers who got into the film industry after retirement from football, the next name in our list is former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) attacker Neymar Jr. Neymar got into the films during his playing career itself. He has featured in top movies and web series like “XXX: Return of Xander Cage” and the very popular “Money Heist”, etc. In 2025, Neymar Jr still continues to play football for Santos in Brazil. He hasn’t featured in any movie or show since 2022.
David Beckham
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid footballer David Beckham was not only a great footballer, but he was also a good actor. Beckham was one of the most handsome football players of his generation, and his look and his acting skills earned him a shot in the film industry. He has notably featured in popular works like “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” He also made cameo appearances in the “Goal” movie trilogy, playing himself. He is currently the co-owner of Inter Miami in the USA and has invested in various ventures as a businessman.
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