7 K-Pop Idols Who Could Have Been Soccer Superstars

In another life, these K-Pop idols could have been soccer superstars!

Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor
4 min to read · Published : Apr 19, 2023 · Updated : Apr 21, 2023

7 K-Pop Idols Who Could Have Been Soccer Superstars

Netflix / EDAM Entertainment / SM Entertainment

Soccer, or also known as football, is loved all over the world. It has deep roots in Korean culture, as many K-Pop idols were introduced to the sport at a very young age. Countless singers spend their downtime either watching professional matches or playing in leagues of their own. Fans even hear their bias talk about their favorite teams and players.

Then there are some idols who love the sport of soccer and absolutely excel in it. They surprise many with their fancy footwork and nimble maneuvering. You can tell that they have put a considerable amount of effort into the game, practically as much time as they spent training to become an idol. There are even a handful that could have gone pro.

Check out which K-Pop idols could have been soccer superstars in another timeline.

1. VIXX' Leo

Leo's Instagram

During his childhood, Leo was a part of South Korea's National Youth Soccer Team in 2003. While he switched paths and went down the road of becoming an idol, he is still lauded as one of the best soccer players in the entertainment industry. He has publicly shown his skills over the years on MBC's "Idol Star Athletic Championship", as well as JTBC's "Let's Play Soccer". In another life, we're sure that Leo is a soccer superstar.

2. NCT's Yuta

Yuta's Instagram

Yuta is extremely charismatic on stage and has the aura to stand out during any performance. However, before setting down the path of becoming a singer, the NCT member was a passionate soccer athlete. He first started playing the sport in preschool and continued until he was a senior in middle school. He has shown amazing handling of the ball across various variety programs, earning countless praise and acknowledgement for his skills. Thankfully for fans, he walked off the soccer field and stepped onto the music stage instead.

3. WOODZ

XBlush Magazine

WOODZ is a complete artist and has gained recognition for his musicality. But before becoming a singer, he had an immense love for soccer. When he was younger, the singer moved to Brazil and joined a youth soccer club under the well known Sport Club Corinthians Paulista. While he moved on to pursue music, WOODZ was invited a couple times to JTBC's "Let's Play Soccer" to show off his impressive skills. WOODZ truly is the definition of all-rounder, in music and sports.

4. HIGHLIGHT's DuJoon

Around Us

DuJoon is famous among 2nd generation idols for his impressive soccer skills. He has an immense love and passion for the game that's evident every time he plays or talks about it. Back in 2014, the idol was named as an honorary ambassador for the Korea Professional Football Association's K-League. You cannot talk about soccer-dols and not mention DuJoon.

5. Kim JaeHwan

Swing Entertainment

When you think about idol soccer players, Kim JaeHwan might not be the first on your list. However, the idol once revealed his deep history with the sport and that he was even trained by a coach from Brazil. He also shared that when he competed in a district soccer competition, his team won the whole thing and at the end, JaeHwan received the best player award. Although he had the promise to become a soccer superstar, we're more than happy that he is now a beloved singer.

6. SF9's RoWoon

RoWoon's Instagram

RoWoon is an incredible actor and idol, impressing everyone with his endless talents and skills. Although in another life, the idol singer could have added soccer athlete to the list. When he was younger, RoWoon absolutely loved the sport. He has played since third grade and even participated at the National Soccer Competition in Chuncheon. Although RoWoon as an athlete would have been nice, we're happy he traded his cleats for a microphone and script instead.

7. SHINee's MinHo

Netflix

MinHo has made a name for himself as one of the most competitive idols in the entertainment industry. That passion could have very well led him to become a professional athlete. He has even said himself that he once dreamed of becoming a professional soccer athlete. But that dream was quickly snuffed out by his father, a renowned soccer coach. Despite not going pro, MinHo consistently shows his athleticism across various programs.

Could you imagine these idols as professional soccer athletes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!