Sport
8 Footballers that could make it big in the West End
Former England international footballer and Match of the Day host, Gary Lineker, is set to make his first foray into the world of West End theatre. Taking up the challenge from his old neighbour, Eric Idle, Lineker will play the role of God in West End show Spamalot for a week during November – albeit via a film projected on to a screen during the show
Inspired by his acting début, we’ve thought of several other footballers and managers who could follow Gary’s lead and head for the bright lights of the West End.
Lionel Messi – Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Image via reddit.
The diminutive Argentine not only dazzles on the pitch, but his choice of outfit when collecting last season’s Ballon D’or award left many reaching for their sunglasses.
Arsene Wenger – Les Miserables
Image via The Mirror.
The Frenchman has had a torrid time at the Emirates in recent years, and has seen his once invincible team go eight long seasons without a single trophy – leaving many Arsenal fans feeling simply miserable.
Wayne Rooney – Shrek The Musical
Image via The Mirror.
Do we really need to explain this one?
Diego Forlan – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Uruguayan’s curly 70s locks make him a dead ringer for Gene Wilder in the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Now in the twilight of his career, the former Man Utd and Atletico Madrid striker could consider turning his hand to the recent stage adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic.
Luis Suarez and David Luiz – We Will Rock You
Image via ITV.
The South American duo may be at odds on the pitch, but with their resemblance to 70s rock band Queen’s flamboyant duo – Freddie Mercury and Brian May – they would look perfectly at home in We Will Rock You.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy – War Horse
Image via The Independent.
Gary Lineker once quipped on Match of the Day, ‘Why the long face, Ruud?’ We don’t need to explain any further.
Rafa Benitez – Any Christmas pantomime
Image via Sky Sports.
During his short-lived tenure at Chelsea the former Liverpool manager became the pantomime villain of The Bridge.
He was constantly booed by sections of the crowd for comments he’d made about the club while managing Liverpool – but fortunately for him, the experience should prove invaluable if he ever decides to play the villain in any of the pantomimes hitting the West End this winter.
