From politics to DJing & biotechnology: Ex La Liga stars take up varied career options post retirement

While many former footballers prefer taking up the managerial role post-retirement, there are quite a few who keep themselves aloof from the sport and proceed with life with alternate livelihood. Former Barcelona player Romario is one among the few and now has a full-fledged career in politics. The 1993/94 LaLiga winner is a prominent figure in Brazil's 'Podemos' party and is an active participant in both local and national parliaments. (Source: LaLiga)

After a successful career at Sevilla FC, French international Julien Escude is now gaining support from the fans of fine dining in Madrid. The two time Europa League and Copa del Rey winner owns two restaurants - SQD Meat Point and BB Bistro - in Spain's capital Madrid. increasing his fanfare. (Source: LaLiga)

After leaving the fans in awe by his skillful display in the pitch, former Valencia and Barcelona star Gazika Menieta is working to make a career in music. He kicked-off his musical saga as a a guitarist in Spain-based indie band Gasteiz Gang, and more recently as a renowned DJ playing club nights in London, Ibiza and the Champions League final cities each year. (Source: LaLiga)

World Cup winner and ex Los Blancos goalkeeper Bodo Illgner has switched from playing football to writing novel. The keeper is currently being assisted by his wife Bianca and have together wrote a German language novel ‘Alles’ [everything]. The romance based in the world of top level football features a goalkeeper protagonist who gets involved in adventures on and off the pitch. (Source: LaLiga)

Mathieu Flamini’s short spell in LaLiga with Getafe in 2018/19 saw the French midfielder help the suburban Madrid team achieve a highest ever finish of fifth place, while also continuing to manage his very successful biotech company GF Biochemicals. Early in his career Flamini and a close friend launched a business to develop an acid useful in environmentally friendly chemical processes, with the dual life unknown even to close teammates for years. (Source: LaLiga)