Football has produced some of the most celebrated athletes in sporting history, but a number of famous players also had military backgrounds before or alongside their professional careers.
From compulsory national service to active military duty, these footballers served in their respective armed forces before going on to achieve success on the pitch.
Here are 10 notable footballers who were former military personnel:
1. Son Heung-min
South Korea captain Son Heung-min completed his mandatory military service with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps in 2020.
His service was reduced to about three weeks after he helped South Korea win the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, earning the squad an exemption from the country’s usual lengthy military service requirement.
2. Eric Cantona
Former Manchester United and France forward Eric Cantona completed two years of compulsory military service in the French Army.
He later became one of the most influential figures in Manchester United’s history, playing a key role in the club’s success during the 1990s.
3. Sir Bobby Charlton
England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps during his national service.
He also represented the British Army football team before going on to help England win the 1966 FIFA World Cup.
4. Duncan Edwards
Manchester United great Duncan Edwards also served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
The talented midfielder completed his military service while beginning his professional football career and went on to earn widespread recognition as one of the outstanding players of his generation.
5. Paolo Maldini
Italy and AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini completed compulsory military service in the Italian Army.
He subsequently enjoyed a remarkable career spanning more than two decades with AC Milan and the Italian national team, becoming one of football’s most respected defenders.
6. Fabio Cannavaro
Former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro served in the Italian military between 1995 and 1996.
The defender later captained Italy to victory at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and became the first defender since Matthias Sammer to win the Ballon d’Or in the same year.
7. Gary Holt
Former Scotland international Gary Holt served in the Army Catering Corps and also played for the British Army football team.
He later forged a professional career that included spells with clubs such as Norwich City and Kilmarnock.
8. Teemu Tainio
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Teemu Tainio completed his military service with the Finnish Defence Forces.
The Finland international subsequently built a career across France and England, including a spell with Tottenham and later Sunderland.
9. Bruce Grobbelaar
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar was conscripted into the Rhodesian Army in 1975.
He served during the Rhodesian Bush War before establishing himself as Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper and helping the club win several major trophies.
10. Gordon Astall
Former England international Gordon Astall served with the Royal Marines during World War II.
Following his military service, Astall continued his football career and went on to represent England at international level.