Former footballers don’t always follow the typical career paths after retirement. While many venture into coaching, punditry, or management, there are a select few who make the unlikely move into TV presenting. From hosting game shows to sports programs, these former footballers have successfully transitioned from kicking a ball around to gracing our TV screens.
One of the most recognizable faces in football and TV presenting is Gary Lineker. Known for his time with Leicester, Spurs, Everton, Barcelona, and England, Lineker has been a fixture on the BBC’s Match of the Day for over 24 years. But his presenting skills don’t stop there. Lineker has also hosted various events, including the Olympics, The Open, and BT Sport’s Champions League coverage. He’s even tried his hand at game shows like Sitting on a Fortune, proving he’s a natural in front of the camera.
Dion Dublin, the former Manchester United, Aston Villa, and England forward, stumbled into the world of TV presenting in 2015. He joined Martin Roberts and Lucy Alexander as a presenter on BBC One’s popular daytime show, Homes Under the Hammer. Dublin’s passion for property and his own building company made him a perfect fit for the show. In his own words, I’m always around building sites and auction houses, it’s my real passion.
Jermaine Jenas, the former Spurs midfielder, has divided fans with his punditry, but he has found success in TV presenting. Jenas started as a regular panelist on Match of the Day and BT Sport, but his ability in front of the camera didn’t go unnoticed. In 2020, he landed a presenting role on The One Show alongside Alex Jones. Most recently, Jenas has been announced as the host for Channel 4’s documentary, The World’s Most Expensive Trainers.
David Icke, the former Coventry and Hereford goalkeeper, took a different path in his TV career. After presenting snooker coverage for the BBC and becoming a sports presenter on Newsnight, Icke became a renowned conspiracy theorist. Hosting shows like Alien Reptilian Legacy, Icke blazed the trail for modern-day conspiracy enthusiasts like Matt Le Tissier.
Niall Quinn, the former Sunderland striker, used his time during injury to his advantage. While recovering from a cruciate ligament tear and missing Ireland’s 1994 World Cup campaign, Quinn signed a deal with Irish broadcaster RTE for the show Start Me Up. The show encouraged the public to start their own businesses, capitalizing on the economic boom of the Celtic Tiger.
Bradley Walsh, the TV personality and actor, may come as a surprise entry on this list. Many know Walsh as the host of The Chase, but before that, he had a career in football playing for Brentford’s Reserves and Barnet. Walsh also spent several years hosting various game shows like Spin Star, 50 Greatest Stars Polls, Odd One In, and Blankety Blank.
David Prutton, known for his luscious locks and headband during his playing days, has become a familiar face on Sky Sports. After retiring from the game, Prutton joined the channel as their resident EFL host, providing analysis and commentary.
Garth Crooks is another former footballer turned TV pundit. He has been appearing on the BBC’s Final Score since retiring in 1990. But before that, Crooks had a taste of presenting, guest hosting Top of the Pops and even anchoring the late-night political debate show, Despatch Box. With an interest in politics, Crooks studied Political Sciences at degree level, making his career developments quite unexpected.
These former footballers have proven that there are many pathways to success after retirement. From sports shows to game shows and even conspiracy theories, they have found their place in the world of TV presenting. Their unlikely transitions have opened up new opportunities and showcased their versatile talents beyond the football pitch.
