Neymar, LeBron & Gronk - The stars who could follow Bolt in changing sports

Eight Olympic gold medals, 11 world titles and the world record in multiple events were not enough for Usain Bolt as he tries to forge a football career after athletics. Bolt has had trials with a number of teams across the globe – including Borussia Dortmund – and scored twice in a recent Central Coast Mariners friendly. Whether he is offered a professional deal remains to be seen, but who else could follow Bolt in switching sports? We take a look at some candidates.

Published : Oct 28, 2018 18:05 IST

Lewis Hamilton: Formula 1 to NASCAR — The Brit has already established himself as a motorsport great as he stands on the brink of a fifth Formula One title. The 33-year-old this year agreed an eye-watering new deal to keep him at Mercedes until 2020, but has made no secret of his interest in switching to NASCAR. He swapped cars with Tony Stewart to get behind the wheel of a stock car back in 2011 and it would be no surprise if he heads for a series Stateside. [AFP/Getty Images]

Wayne Rooney: Football to Boxing — The English striker is proving to be a big hit in MLS, leading to many being of the opinion he is punching below his weight. The former Manchester United and Everton striker is England's leading all-time goalscorer, but it may have been a very different story. He credits boxing training and a passion for pugilism as playing a big part in his illustrious career and may have gone down that route if he had not made the grade at Goodison Park and he would no doubt relish the opportunity to hit some alternative targets when he hangs up his boots. [ Getty Images]

Jonny Bairstow: Cricket to Football/Rugby/Hockey — Bairstow has established himself as one of England's key men, but his sporting talent is by no means limited to cricket. Bairstow was a team-mate of England duo Danny Rose and Fabian Delph in Leeds United's academy until the age of 15 and was also a county-level rugby union fly-half, as well as a gifted hockey player. The Yorkshireman revels in the opportunity to demonstrate his footballing ability during England warm-up sessions, although he might be advised to stick to the day job after an injury sustained during a kickabout in Sri Lanka. [Getty Images]

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Football to Taekwondo — Zlatan had a black belt in Taekwondo at the age of 17 and might have pursued a career in martial arts if the football had not worked out. His athleticism has enabled him to score an array of spectacular goals over the years. While the former Sweden star still has plenty to offer as he plies his trade in MLS, the 37-year-old would no doubt back himself to let his feet do the talking on a very different stage.

Peter Crouch: Football to Basketball — At 6'7" Peter Crouch is one of the tallest strikers to have starred in the Premier League and for England, and that height could provide a future career post-football. His size and reach would undoubtedly make him a tough man to mark should he swap football for basketball, and his fitness would come in handy. However, Crouch would not have the advantage he does in football, given a lot of the NBA stars match his towering stature. [Getty Images]

LeBron James: Basketball to American Football — LeBron James will go down as one of the all-time greats in the NBA after three titles, three Finals MVP awards and 14 All-Star appearances. As well as being a prolific points scorer, James also has immense athleticism, strength and agility on the court. Those skills would naturally transfer to any sport, but with James an NFL fan maybe he could swap baskets for touchdowns and use his quality with a ball in hand to excel at quarterback? [Getty Images/AFP]

Neymar: Football to Diving — As the most expensive footballer in history on a hugely lucrative contract at Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar should never have any trouble standing on his own two feet. Yet the mercurial Brazil forward has earned an unwanted reputation for going to ground a little too easily, so a few opponents might suggest a career in diving awaits. If Neymar ever fancies a leap into the unknown, he could find an alternative way to hit the heights.

Brooks Koepka: Golf to Basketball — World number one Brooks Koepka has enjoyed a fabulous 2018 with U.S. Open and US PGA Championship victories, but baseball is his one true love. "If I could do it all again, I'd play baseball – 100 per cent, no doubt," Koepka told Golf Digest, and his power off the tee could make him a hitter to be feared. Koepka averages well over 300 yards off the tee, something that could see home runs galore should he switch to MLB. [Getty Images]

Beauden Barrett: Rugby Union to American Football — He has set incredibly high standards since forcing his way into the New Zealand side and rarely fails to deliver at the highest level. The fly-half was named World Rugby Player of the Year for a second successive year last November and warned he has plenty more to offer. His astonishing accuracy with the boot could make him an attractive proposition for NFL franchises, while his handling skills, speed and agility might put him in the frame for a role as cornerback or wide receiver. [AFP]

Rob Gronkowski: American Football to Wrestling — Life as an NFL tight end requires strength, speed and agility and Gronkowski undoubtedly has all of those attributes. If anything he is large for a modern day tight end but that has not stopped him racking up 77 touchdowns, 500 receptions and 7,584 receiving yards – plus two Super Bowl rings. So it's no surprise that "Gronk" has been linked with WWE, and he has even had a taste of life in the ring after coming to the aid of Mojo Rawley at Wrestlemania 33. [Getty Images/AFP]

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Lewis Hamilton: Formula 1 to NASCAR — The Brit has already established himself as a motorsport great as he stands on the brink of a fifth Formula One title. The 33-year-old this year agreed an eye-watering new deal to keep him at Mercedes until 2020, but has made no secret of his interest in switching to NASCAR. He swapped cars with Tony Stewart to get behind the wheel of a stock car back in 2011 and it would be no surprise if he heads for a series Stateside. [AFP/Getty Images]
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