These famous footballers gave up playing for a major career change

A Northern Irish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder, Norman Whiteside rose to stardom while playing for Manchester United. He holds the record as the youngest player to take part in a FIFA World Cup at 17 years and 40 days old.

After a decent career, he is now a podiatrist at the Old Trafford medical center, having graduated with a degree from the University of Salford. He also served as a pundit for ITV during the 2018 World Cup.

A Dutch former professional footballer who played as a center-back, De Zeew was known for his time at Wigan.

The man who spent a good part of his career in the Premier League has become an investigator for the Dutch forensic police!

A Colombian former professional footballer who played for Parma, Newcastle United, and the Colombia national team as a forward, Asprilla scored 105 goals in his career.

The former Colombian striker is now CEO of a condom company!

Hilgenbrink was one of the most promising talents in MLS history and made a name for himself as a defender under the New England Revolution shirt.

One of the strangest career transformations! Considered a great hope in the United States, he decided, at 26 years old, to become a priest. Hilgenbrink now serves as the vocation director for the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, Illinois.

George Weah was one of the greatest African players in football history. In the 90s, Weah became one of the most prolific strikers. His son, Timothy Weah, also follows in his footsteps as a professional footballer.

The former Ballon d'Or winner and Paris Saint-Germain player is now president of Liberia! Quite a conversion for one of the best players of the 1990s who has marked a whole generation.

As a goalkeeper, Wiese played for top clubs in Germany such as Bayer Leverkusen, FC Kaiserslautern and Werder Bremen before signing for 1899 Hoffenheim in 2012.

The former goalkeeper of Werder Bremen and the German national team is now a wrestler for the WWE!

A former Italian international, Pablo Osvaldo once played for Inter Milan, AS Roma, and Southampton.

At the moment, Osvaldo is devoting himself to his music group called Barrio Viejo.

A versatile player, with offensive capabilities and tackling skills, Mendieta was a crucial part of every team he played. Throughout his glittering career, the midfielder played for famous clubs such as Lazio, Valencia, Barcelona, and Middlesbrough.

The legendary Spanish player is now a DJ in nightclubs, and is often invited to sporting events!

Guivarch was among the most promising talents in France's football history. Over his career, the striker scored an impressive 193 goals in 382 appearances.

The former 98 world champion is now a salesman for a swimming pool company!

A Polish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, Dudek was known for his time at Merseyside club Liverpool.

He currently works as a UEFA ambassador traveling around Europe promoting the Champions League and the European Championships.