By Olaoluwa Ajifolokun
For several years they kicked the ball on many fields across the globe; making name for themselves and making money. But they soon discovered something more meaningful outside soccer: the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Their transition from playing ball to soul-winning has got many talking. But they have not stopped holding to the confession of their faith. Rather than succumb to public pressure and scrutiny they have continued to trail the gospel path long after they abandoned the football game.
Taribo West
One is Nigeria’s own Taribo West; an international defender who played for Inter Milan among other clubs. The player was once famously known as much for his shuddering challenges — and the quirky hairstyles that adorned a career that saw him play for clubs such as Inter Milan and AC Milan. But he subsequently turned to a full-time pastor After hanging up his boots.
He is the founder of Shelter in the Storm Ministries which aims to reach and help poor people and to spread the Gospel of Christ.
Philip Mulryne
Philip Mulryne, a former footballer with Manchester United and Northern Ireland International who has been ordained as a Roman Catholic priest is another high-profile example. Born in Belfast, Mulryne is reputed to have played 150 games for Norwich City Football Club.
After retiring from playing the leather game in 2008, Mulryne started studying for the Roman Catholic Priesthood and was subsequently ordained as a priest in 2017. His decision to embrace the pulpit and set aside fame and fortune, seeing them as secondary has been an inspiration to many. Many are also enthralled by his decision to dedicate his life to service and spirituality.
Idah Peterside
Former South African national team goalkeeper Reverend Idah Peterside has also hit the headlines as a pastor.
In an interview published online, Peterside recalled that his love for God started at the Assemblies of God Church at age 11. He however gave his life to Christ in 1996 while playing for Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC),. That same year he attended Word of Faith Bible College where he graduated with a diploma, but he continued to play football because he felt it was not time to jump into the ministry.
He was so much of a footballer. He only spent a few weeks at the University of Uyo after which he abandoned his course of study to play for Sharks FC. Since then he has not looked back
He played in South Africa for Tembisa Classic FC and Moroka Swallows. Before that, he played for many teams in Nigeria, among them Enyimba, Sharks, Udoji United, BCC Lions, and Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC) before he travelled out of Nigeria in 1998. He first went to Israel with the intent of joining a team called Maccabi Hezilia, but the deal fell through. Shortly after he went to South Africa, and after trying out with several teams, he joined Tembisa Classic eventually.
He played professional football in South Africa for close to four years before he started Christ Ambassadors Church. Later he became media officer of Nigeria Super Eagles. He was in that position for four years, and then I quit to return to focus on his pastoral work.
He is also a soccer pundit, and the first Nigerian on DSTV; He claimed to have brought DSTV to Nigeria. But he has been in South Africa for 26 years now doing reaching out to souls for God’s kingdom.
Ricardo Kaka
Ricardo Kaká, the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner and a former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder has never been shy about his faith in Christ. As a player who often wore a shirt that said “I belong to Jesus” after winning championships, Kaká’s faith was an important part of football.
However, nobody would have thought that after retiring from the football pitch, he would go on to become a pastor.
After his playing days ended in 2017, Kaká enrolled in theological studies and became more involved in the church. Today as a pastor, he conducts services and offers words of encouragement to people
In an interview, the football star Kaká shared his perspective: “I have always thought that I had something to do in this life besides football.” This also makes me happier because being a pastor is to help and direct people just as they helped me when I was lost in my faith.
Roberto Firmino
Roberto Firmino, the Liverpool player who contributed to the victory in the 2019 UEFA Champions League is another good example of a footballer who turned gospeller.
Firmino, a skillful player and hard worker, converted to faith leadership due to his experience of change and salvation.
Born in 2020, Firmino shared his testimony about how Christianity transformed his life and gave him a sense of purpose beyond the soccer field.
Firmino announced his retirement from football in 2024 and decided to enroll in theology studies and work for the church. Today he is a pastor who teaches people about the word of God and tells everyone his story. “Football fulfilled all my desires, but faith made me find something that goes beyond championships and goals,” said the forward-looking Firmino.
His audience is massive, and the message of his sermons is usually the idea of standing up and starting over, which is something that he has done on and off the football field.
These athletes have used their influence to impact lives far beyond sports. They each emphasize that football was merely a stepping stone to their true calling serving God and uplifting others. Through their ministries, they inspire millions, proving that faith and football can co-exist together.