Former Tottenham, Newcastle and France midfielder is plotting an ambitious move to be the next FIFA President…
David Ginola announced last week that he plans to rival Sepp Blatter for the FIFA Presidency. Last night, he told Sky Sports reporters that his interest in the position is genuine and not, as some have suggested, a publicity stunt.
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He said: “We are not laughing about this. You can laugh if you want. We are taking this seriously. I am not a politician but I am very confident that in the next few days people will be behind me. We see the campaign as something very positive for the people and for the world of football.”
While the Frenchman might not see himself as a politician, there are plenty of former footballers who do. Below is a list of the nine most famous stars who turned to a life of politics:
9) Roman Pavlyuchenko
The former Russian international is best known for his five year spell with Tottenham, which brought 21 goals in 78 league games. Still playing with Lokomotiv Moscow, while also acting as a council deputy in Stavropol. He represents Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party.
8) Zico
Part of one of the great Brazilian teams of the 1970s and 1980s, the former Flamengo star took on the role of Minister of Sports for his country, after retiring from the game in 1990.
7) Oleg Blokhin
The former Ukraine manager, who also enjoyed a lengthy playing career with Dynamo Kyiv, he was elected to his country’s parliament, Verkhovna Rada for the Hromada party in 1998, and was re-elected in 2002.
6) George Weah
The first, and still only, African player to win the Ballon d’Or, the former Chelsea and Manchester City striker ran for the Presidency of Liberia in 2005, but was unsuccessful. He was however appointed to the Liberian Senate last year.
5) Michel Platini
The former French international, who helped his team to victory in Euro 84 and won three Ballon d’Or trophies, became the President of UEFA in 2007. He has also held a number of positions within FIFA and the French Football Federation.
4) Carlos Valderrama
The shaggy haired Colombian midfielder established himself as one of the best players outside of Europe during the peak of his playing career. He was also a candidate for the Colombian U Party in the 2014 national elections.
3) Pele
Still among the greatest footballers to ever play the game, the iconic Brazilian became his country’s Extraordinary Minister for Sport in 1995, while he has also been appointed as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
2) Romario
Another outstanding Brazilian star of the past, Romario won 70 caps and scored 55 goals for his country. More recently, he was elected to the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies at the 2010 General Election.
1) Andrey Arshavin
The former Arsenal forward, who played for Gunners between 2009-2013, he starred in over 100 league matches before returning to his native Russia. He stood for Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party in local elections during 2007, but withdrew shortly before the vote.
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