Football has produced some of the world’s biggest sporting stars, but several prominent footballers also have military backgrounds. From mandatory national service to active military duty, these footballers served in the armed forces before or during their professional careers. 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 shortened to about three weeks after he helped South Korea win the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, which earned the squad an exemption from the country’s standard 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. Cantona later established himself as one of the most influential players in Manchester United’s history. 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 win the 1966 World Cup with England. 4. Duncan Edwards Manchester United great Duncan Edwards also served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
The midfielder completed his military service while beginning his professional football career and went on to become one of the most highly regarded players of his generation. 5. Paolo Maldini Italy and AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini completed compulsory military service in the Italian Army. Maldini subsequently enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades with AC Milan and the Italy national team. 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 won the Ballon d’Or