Ronaldinho gets on the stage: from Manny Pacquiao to Shaquille O’Neal, five athletes who tried a singer career

“What is he like as a singer? Well, he is an excellent football player”, could be the common joke in some ends of the world. Ronaldinho Gaucho has completed a masterclass football career spreading his magic around the globe. But when it comes to perform with a microphone in hand, things could get, at least, tricky.

The Brazilian playmaker has recently been seen surrounded by many women in a videoclip, as a possible prequel to the eight new songs he is admitted being planning to launch this year. Recently he was also been seen dancing in a new video of his musical project named Tropa do Bruxo. In the end, being 40 years old he is just starting a career.

But he’s not the only one to have launched a music career after (or during) a successful life in sports. Another example is boxer Manny Pacquiao. The 42-year-old from Philippines has recorded three albums. His lyrics recall struggles he has overcome to claim the world champion title or his passion for the Philippines, such as the song Lahing Pinoy (The Filipino Race).

After a brilliant career in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal was one of the best performers in terms of a long and persistent period in music. He released four rap albums, lead the Boston Pops Orchestra and produced some electronic music too. His debut album was named Shaq Diesel including hits like I’m Outstanding.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has been one of the most feared wrestlers for a long time, and after getting down of the ring he starred in some movies. As well, then put his voice… to a Disney film! He sang the song “You’re Welcome” in Moana.

From the tennis court to the studio went several times Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki. The former no. 1 of the ATP ranking retired by the end of 2019. Back in 2012 he recorded a song named “Oxygen”. More recently, around 2018, she recorded another one named “We Love Our Tennis” joined by her Polish colleague Agnieszka Radwańska.