Robert Pirès, Arjen Robben, David Beckham… Football stars taking on the road

Football is a sport built on explosiveness, repeated sprints and constant changes of pace. Running, especially over long distances, demands a steadier approach to effort and an iron mindset. Yet our footballing friends have risen to the challenge in style. If these former football stars have managed to reinvent themselves as runners, it is thanks to unrelenting discipline and an overwhelming passion for a challenge. Their second acts inspire countless sports fans, proving that you can keep pushing your limits, even after a professional career comes to an end.

Whether driven by a personal challenge, a charitable cause or simply the joy of running, the toughest among them have taken on the demanding world of marathons and other endurance challenges. That was the case for Robert Pirès, a 1998 World Cup winner. At 50, the Arsenal legend set himself the goal of taking part in the Marathon Pour Tous during the Paris Olympic Games. Not an easy task when you consider how much the Reims-born former player hated fitness runs and anything else related to running. A long way from Tamirat Tola, the Ethiopian who won the Olympic marathon, Pirès can be proud of finishing in 5:10:09. A respectable time.

From the intensity of the pitch to the solitude of the road

Several other footballing figures have made the transition from football to running with flying colours. Retired players are showing that the desire to push yourself never fades. Take Toni Kroos, the former Real Madrid midfielder, who discovered a passion for long-distance running after ending his career. Claude Makélélé, the tireless ball-winner for France and Chelsea, took on the Paris Marathon to support a charity. Kaka, the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner, ran his first marathon in Berlin in September 2022. The Brazilian, who played for both Real Madrid and AC Milan, completed the marathon in 3:38:06.

Others have taken the challenge even further, like Gabriel Batistuta, the former Argentine goalscorer, who surprised everyone by taking part in trail races in the great outdoors. His endurance and mental strength, forged on Serie A pitches, helped him tackle extreme races. And to think that “Batigol” once wanted both legs amputated after years of tormenting the best defences on the planet… Even more impressively, David Beckham has been spotted training for long-distance races, proving once again that the adrenaline of competition never really goes away.

When legends take up running

If these former footballers have adapted to their new discipline, it is also thanks to their discipline and love of a challenge. Their move into running has inspired countless fans, proving that physical effort can continue long after a career at the top. Whether for pleasure, performance or a good cause, these former greats show that it is possible to shine on an entirely different field. One of the most striking examples is Tomasz Kuszczak, the former Manchester United goalkeeper, who completed several half-marathons after retiring. Kevin Kilbane, the former Republic of Ireland international, has also laced up his running shoes and completed the London Marathon in 3:14:44 to raise money for charities.

👏 | Former professional footballer Arjen Robben posts a superb time at the @MarathonRdam and finishes under three hours on Coolsingel! #demooiste #marathonrotterdam pic.twitter.com/EtJcvyJURh

— Rijnmond Sport (@RijnmondSport) April 16, 2023

Other retired stars have also developed a taste for running. Alan Shearer, the legendary English striker, has taken part in charity races, proving that the competitive spirit never disappears. Didier Drogba has also been spotted covering plenty of miles on several occasions, prompting speculation about a possible marathon appearance in the future. More recently, Arjen Robben, who retired from football in July 2021, has been working to stay in shape. The former Netherlands international, then 39, took part in the Rotterdam Marathon last April and posted a stunning time. The former Bayern Munich winger crossed the line after 2:58:33 of racing, averaging 4:23 per kilometre. The Dutchman had improved his time by almost 15 minutes compared with the previous year, when he completed the 42.195 km in 3:13:57. Impressive.

The benefits of running for footballers

For these football stars, running offers plenty of benefits. It helps them maintain top physical condition, improve their endurance and strengthen their mindset. Taking on marathons and road races also offers the chance to discover new landscapes and enjoy unique experiences. These sporting events are also a perfect opportunity to raise money for charities, adding a philanthropic dimension to their performances.

By taking part in marathons and a range of other races, these champions demonstrate that the competitive spirit and the desire to push yourself know no borders. Their remarkable journeys perfectly illustrate that you can always reinvent yourself and take on new challenges, even after an exceptional career on the finest pitches in the world.

By taking up running, these former footballers prove beyond doubt that sport remains a way of life, well beyond the pitch. Whether for a cause, a personal challenge or simply for pleasure, they are inspiring thousands of fans to start running. So, after Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary sprint on the pitch, will we one day see CR7 on the start line of the New York City Marathon?