It is interesting to see how these sports figures manage to reinvent themselves and make their way in industries as competitive as music. From ex-footballers to boxers, His ability to succeed outside of his comfort zone is undoubtedly inspiring.
Athletes who changed sports for music
Oscar de la Hoya
Born in Los Angeless in 1973, Oscar is not only known for his successes in the ringbut also for his forays into music. With an impressive boxing career that includes world titles in six different divisions, the “Golden Boy” decided to try his luck in the musical field in 2000. He released a self-titled album with Latin pop influences, which was well received and earned him a nomination for the Grammys in the category of Best Latin Pop Albumalthough he failed to win the prize.
Today, De La Hoya remains a prominent figure in the boxing world, but beyond the gloves and microphone, he is a successful businessman and combat sports promoter. Although his musical adventure was brief, it allowed him to explore his artistic side and connect with his Latin roots in a different way. Today he continues to collaborate in events related to music and entertainment.
Germán “Mono” Burgos
the archer from Mar del Plata He was born in 1969, leaving a mark as number 1 in teams like River Plate and Atlético de Madridbut his passion for music was always latent. With his characteristic rocker look, Burgos released several albums with his band Sympathy and then with The Garbwhose name derives from his own initials. His musical style, a mixture of classic and alternative rock, It allowed him to stand out in a completely different field than football.
The Monkey is also known as technical director, since he was in charge of teams in Spain and South America, although he has never abandoned his passion for music. In free moments between games and training, he continues to compose and record songs, keeping his artistic spirit alive. His legacy, both on the court and on the stage, makes him a unique figure.
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Shaquille O’Neal
The giant of the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal always dreamed of being known. Born in 1972 in Newark, New Jerseynot only left an indelible mark on basketball, with four championship rings and multiple awards, but also ventured into rap world. During his sports career, he released several albums under the label Jive Records, responsible for successes such as Backstreet Boys. Among his most notable productions are Shaq Diesel and You Can’t Stop the Reign, both well received by critics and their followers.
Today, Shaquille reinvented himself as businessman, actor and DJ. His passion for music led him to perform at festivals and events around the world, where his charisma and mixing skills keep him in the spotlight.
Pele
The Brazilian Edson Arantes do Nascimentoknown worldwide as Pelé, is not only a football legend, but also left his mark on music. In 1969, Pelé surprised many by debuting as a singer with the song “Perdão não tem”, a collaboration with the famous singer Elis Regina. But it was not his only artistic foray; In 2006 he released a full album titled Gingawhere he explored his passion for music.
Pelé passed away in 2022, but his legacy lives on. Beyond his achievements in football, including three World Cups, His foray into music showed a more human and close side of the sports idol. His influence on Brazilian culture remains immense, remembered as much for his skill on the field as for his contributions to music.
Julio Iglesias
Although it may seem like a lie, this Spaniard, internationally recognized for his voice, also shone in sports. Born in Madrid in 1943, Julio Iglesias He didn’t always dream of being a singer. In fact, his first passion was football, where he worked as goalkeeper in the lower divisions of Real Madrid. However, a serious car accident forced him to abandon the sport, leading him to discover his talent for music during his long recovery. This change of direction made him one of the best-selling artists of all time, with more than 100 million records sold worldwide.
At more than 80 years old, Iglesias remains a global icon. Although he has reduced his live performances, he continues to enjoy his success and relevance in the music industry, establishing himself as one of the most important artists in Latin music.
James Toseland
The British James Toseland, born in Doncaster In 1980, he was twice world champion of Superbikesin 2004 and 2007, competing for teams as prestigious as Ducati and Honda. After his retirement from racing, Toseland decided to explore his other passion: music. formed the band crashwhere he works as a singer and pianist. His musical talent, added to his success on the racetrack, has made him a multifaceted figure.
Currently, the pilot continues to combine his love for music and sports, touring with his band and participating in motorcycling events. His ability to excel in two very different worlds has made him an inspiration to many.
Jesé Rodríguez
The one born in Las Palmas, Spain, In 1993, he was considered one of the great promises of football when he debuted with the Real Madrid. However, his sporting career was marked by injuries and controversial decisions. At the same time, Jesé found an escape route and a new form of expression in music. Under the pseudonym Jhey M, is dedicated to reggaetonreleasing several singles and collaborating with recognized artists of the genre.
In 2024, Jesé is still active in the music industry, although without completely leaving football behind. His latest releases received good reviews, consolidating him as a figure of Spanish reggaeton. This career change demonstrates your ability to reinvent yourself and seek new ways of success.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
