World Cup 2026: The Eurovision stars with football connections

As the FIFA World Cup takes centre stage across North America, millions of fans are focused on the action on the pitch.

But while football and Eurovision may seem worlds apart, there have been plenty of surprising overlaps between the two over the years.

From international footballers who took to the Eurovision stage to World Cup players who tried their luck in national selections, here are some of the footballers with a Eurovision connection.

Eurovision artists who played football

Julio Iglesias (Spain 1970)

Before becoming one of the world's best-selling recording artists, Julio Iglesias was a goalkeeper in Real Madrid's youth system. A car accident ended his football ambitions, ultimately leading him towards music. He went on to represent Spain at Eurovision 1970 with Gwendolyne and launch one of the most successful music careers in history.

Joe Cutajar (Malta 1972)

Joe Cutajar spent much of the 1960s playing top-flight football in Malta before representing his country at Eurovision 1972 alongside Helen Micallef with L-imħabba.

Fabrizio Faniello (Malta 2001, 2006)

Before becoming a two-time Eurovision representative, Fabrizio Faniello was a youth footballer with Sliema Wanderers. He eventually chose music over football, representing Malta with Another Summer Night in 2001 and I Do in 2006.

Nicky Byrne (Ireland 2016)

Long before Westlife topped charts around the world, Nicky Byrne was pursuing a football career. He came through the youth ranks as a goalkeeper at Leeds United, winning the FA Youth Cup in 1997 alongside Australian legend Harry Kewell. He represented Ireland at the youth level and played senior football in Ireland before swapping the pitch for the stage. He represented Ireland at Eurovision 2016 with Sunlight.

Nicky Byrne is front row in the non-white colours.

Jérémie Makiese (Belgium 2022)

Belgium's 2022 Eurovision representative was also a goalkeeper. Makiese came through the youth ranks at RWD Molenbeek and was contracted to Royal Excelsior Virton who play in the third division of Belgian football while pursuing music. In Turin, he represented Belgium with Miss You.

Marcus & Martinus (Sweden 2024)

Sweden's Eurovision 2024 representatives continue to combine music and football. The twins represented Sweden with Unforgettable in Malmö and remain active footballers, signing for Norwegian club Strindheim (a third division club) in 2026.

Footballers who competed in national selections

Guðmundur Þórarinsson (Söngvakeppnin 2018)

Few footballers can claim both international caps and a Eurovision national selection appearance. Iceland international Guðmundur Þórarinsson competed in Söngvakeppnin 2018 with Litir while playing professionally in Sweden. Since then, he has played in the MLS in the United States, Greece and Armenia before returning to Iceland in 2026.

Markus Henriksen (MGP Junior 2004)

Before winning 58 caps for Norway and playing in the Premier League with Hull City, Markus Henriksen appeared in Norway's Junior Eurovision selection as part of the trio Sheepboys. Their song, Damer er no dritt, failed to progress, but Henriksen would go on to enjoy a successful professional football career.

Boris René (Melodifestivalen 2016, 2017)

Before becoming a Melodifestivalen regular, Boris René was a professional footballer in Sweden. He played for clubs including Örebro SK and Degerfors before competing with Put Your Love on Me and Her Kiss.

Teele Viira (Eesti Laul 2012, 2013)

Before appearing in Eesti Laul, Teele Viira played women's football for FC Kuressaare in Estonia. She later turned her attention to music and reached the Eesti Laul final in 2012.

Younghearted (UMK 2022)

Finnish trio Younghearted featured two former football goalkeepers. Atte Ranta played for IFK Helsinki, while Reeta Huotarinen represented PK-35 before both pursued music full-time. The group competed in UMK 2022 with Sun numero.

Yoly Saa (Benidorm Fest 2024)

Before appearing in Benidorm Fest, Yoly Saa played futsal for Galician side Poio Pescamar. She later turned her focus to music and competed in Benidorm Fest 2024 with No se me olvida.

Footballers with Eurovision connections

Hannes Þór Halldórsson

One of Iceland's most famous footballers has a Eurovision connection of his own. The goalkeeper, who helped Iceland reach both UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, directed the music video for Iceland's Eurovision 2012 entry Never Forget.

Ragnar Klavan

Former Liverpool and Estonia defender Ragnar Klavan took part in Eurovision 2023 when he presented Estonia's jury votes during the Grand Final.

Zlatan Ibrahimović

Sweden's greatest footballing export made a Eurovision cameo in 2013. Zlatan Ibrahimović appeared during the opening sequence of Eurovision in Malmö, welcoming viewers to his hometown. He also appeared as one of the many co-hosts of Italy's Sanremo.

Football family connections

Montaigne

Australia's Eurovision 2020 and 2021 representative comes from a football family. Montaigne is the child of former National Soccer League player Gus Cerro, who played for clubs including Sydney Olympic and APIA Leichhardt.

Lancelot Hedman

Melodifestivalen 2022 artist Lancelot Hedman is the son of former Sweden goalkeeper Magnus Hedman, who played for clubs including Coventry City, Celtic and Chelsea.

Andreas Poom

Eesti Laul 2023 participant Andreas Poom is the son of Estonian goalkeeping legend Mart Poom, who played for Derby County, Sunderland and Arsenal.

From World Cup players and international goalkeepers to Eurovision representatives and national final hopefuls, the overlap between football and Eurovision is far greater than many fans realise.

It's a reminder that sport and music collide more often than not, and some stars are just as comfortable in front of a microphone as they are on the pitch.

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