Side Hustle
From Rafael Leão to Memphis Depay, here are a few soccer stars who moonlight as singers and rappers
The World Cup is in full swing, with just a few more matches left before the quarterfinals. There have been plenty of feel-good stories and twists and upsets — Cape Verde’s Cinderella story, Norway’s stunning victory over Brazil, all of the controversy over Trump’s involvement in Folarin Balogun’s contentious red card. But in addition to these crazy moments and plots, what the World Cup does every four years is put a bright spotlight on the best soccer players in the world.
A lot of these athletes have had unexpected trajectories and remarkable biographies — even a surprising side hobby or two. This includes players who have hidden musical talents, or who have made careers moonlighting as singers, rappers, and musicians.
Of course, the connection between soccer and music isn’t new. We all know some of the biggest soccer anthems are also some of the most memorable global chart-topping hits (from Ricky Martin’s “Cup of Life” to Shakira’s “Waka Waka”). Brazilian legend Pelé was famously a singer-songwriter who composed in his spare time and released songs until he turned 80. Former Croatian defender Slaven Bilić, who played in the 1998 World Cup, also performed in the heavy-metal band Rawbau. And John Barnes, known for making history as the first Black player to represent England in a World Cup match, in 1986, was a rapper and even made a few guest appearances on official team anthems, including New Order’s “World in Motion” from the 1990 FIFA campaign.
