Top 5 Famous Footballers That Have Served In The Military

Serving your country as a soccer player and as a soldier are two completely different scenarios. Which of the footballers have managed to do both. Take a look at some of the football players who served in the army.

1. Son Heung-Min

One of the most recent and famous footballers to have a spell in the military was South Korean footballer Heung-min Son who completed a compulsory period of national service in May 2020.

The winger, who plays for English club Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, was one of the top five recruits and was given an award for his performance.

2. Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian assassin has played a key role in Liverpool’s revival since joining from Roma on June 22, 2017. Known for his excellent dribbling, speed and finishing, Salah sizzled in his Premier League first season, netting 32 goals to become the top scorer.

Luckily enough, the 28-year-old had not returned to his home country to serve in the military when the Egyptian Prime Minister stepped in to resolve the matter in 2014.

3. Fabio Cannavaro

The FIFA World Cup-winning captain also had to serve in mandatory military service and in even enjoyed success in football in the army. Cannavaro won the World Military Cup in 1995-96 while serving for his country.

Serving for his country allowed him to keep his fitness and competitive levels high and play football as well.

4. Paolo Maldini

Arguably one of the best defenders of all time, Paolo Maldini served in the military in Italy. He played for AC Milan, winning numerous titles and Champions League trophies.

Military service was mandatory in Italy until 2004 and, as he was coming up through the footballing ranks, he served some time in the Italian army’s ranks.

5. Eric Cantona

The French legend began his professional career with Auxerre, making his debut in 1983, aged just 17. Just as his professional career was getting started, it was put on hold.

Eric had to complete two years of military service for the French Army, and only returned to play football professionally in 1986. In spite of his time in the army, you would never describe Eric as disciplined.