Football is a sport known for its intensity, passion, and global appeal. While many players reach iconic status on the pitch, some take a completely different path after hanging up their boots.
Among those who have shifted careers, a number of footballers have embraced a spiritual calling, transitioning from the world of professional football to ministry.
These remarkable stories of footballers turned pastors highlight the power of faith and transformation in their lives.
1. Gavin Peacock:
Gavin Peacock enjoyed a successful career in the English Premier League, playing for clubs like Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Queens Park Rangers. Known for his skill as an attacking midfielder, Peacock had a promising future in football broadcasting after retirement. However, in 2008, Peacock made a life-changing decision to leave his punditry career to pursue full-time ministry.
After moving to Canada, Peacock began theological studies and eventually became a pastor at a church in Calgary. He now spends his time preaching the gospel and mentoring young Christians, with a focus on faith and family. Peacock often shares how his football career taught him valuable lessons, but his deepest fulfillment comes from his relationship with God and his calling to serve.
2. Philip Mulryne:
Philip Mulryne's journey from football to the priesthood is one of the most unique stories in the football world. A former Manchester United midfielder, Mulryne also played for Norwich City and represented Northern Ireland internationally. Despite his successful football career, Mulryne felt a growing sense of spiritual emptiness, which eventually led him to explore his faith more deeply.
In 2009, Mulryne left professional football behind to join the Dominican Order, one of the oldest Catholic monastic communities. After years of study and spiritual formation, he was ordained as a Catholic priest in 2017. Father Philip Mulryne now serves in his religious vocation, dedicated to a life of service and devotion.
3. Taribo West:
Taribo West was known for his powerful defending and his distinctive colorful hairstyles during his playing days. The Nigerian footballer had an illustrious career, playing for major European clubs like Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Auxerre, as well as representing Nigeria in the World Cup. However, after retiring from football, West experienced a profound spiritual awakening.
In the early 2000s, West became a born-again Christian and felt called to ministry. He founded his own church, Shelter in the Storm Miracle Ministries, based in Lagos, Nigeria. West is now a full-time pastor, preaching the gospel and helping to transform lives through his faith-based initiatives. His story serves as an inspiring example of how someone can transition from the pressures of elite sport to a life dedicated to faith and service.
4. Peter Knowles:
Knowles dedicated his life to his faith, turning his back on football for good. Although Wolves tried to persuade him to return to the game, Knowles remained steadfast in his commitment to his new spiritual life. His story is often cited as an example of someone choosing faith over fame and fortune.
5. Ricardo Kaka:
Ricardo Kaká, the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner and a former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder has never been shy about his faith in Christ. As a player who often wore a shirt that said “I belong to Jesus” after winning championships, Kaká’s faith was an important part of football.
However, nobody would have thought that after retiring from the football pitch, he would go on to become a pastor.
After his playing days ended in 2017, Kaká enrolled in theological studies and became more involved in the church. Today as a pastor, he conducts services and offers words of encouragement to people
In an interview, the football star Kaká shared his perspective: “I have always thought that I had something to do in this life besides football.” This also makes me happier because being a pastor is to help and direct people just as they helped me when I was lost in my faith.
6. Roberto Firmino:
Roberto Firmino, the Liverpool player who contributed to the victory in the 2019 UEFA Champions League is another good example of a footballer who turned gospeller.
Firmino, a skillful player and hard worker, converted to faith leadership due to his experience of change and salvation.
Born in 2020, Firmino shared his testimony about how Christianity transformed his life and gave him a sense of purpose beyond the soccer field.
Firmino announced his retirement from football in 2024 and decided to enroll in theology studies and work for the church. Today he is a pastor who teaches people about the word of God and tells everyone his story. “Football fulfilled all my desires, but faith made me find something that goes beyond championships and goals,” said the forward-looking Firmino.
His audience is massive, and the message of his sermons is usually the idea of standing up and starting over, which is something that he has done on and off the football field.
These athletes have used their influence to impact lives far beyond sports. They each emphasize that football was merely a stepping stone to their true calling serving God and uplifting others. Through their ministries, they inspire millions, proving that faith and football can co-exist together.
The stories of these footballers turned pastors are testaments to the transformative power of faith. While they once enjoyed fame and fortune on the football field, they found deeper meaning and purpose in serving God and their communities. Their journeys remind us that no matter how successful someone may be in their career, the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and a life of service can bring an even greater sense of peace and purpose. These individuals continue to inspire both in and out of the football world, showing that faith can truly change lives.
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