Usain Bolt can he make it as a Pro Footballer?

_{Usain Bolt free use image Google}

Usain St Leo Bolt, the fastest man on the planet, now retired from track and field is seeking to establish himself in another sport. Football! Many ask the question if the talented Jamaican has what it takes to be a professional footballer. He is no longer a spring chicken, but switching sport at age 32 can be a challenge for most people, especially at the top level. But guess what? Bolt isn’t most people.

This Jamaican is a rare talent that comes around once in a lifetime. Recently, former Manager of Spain, Vincente Del Bosque says Bolt could be a full-back. But I’m sure Bolt would rather play the more fancied position of centre-forward.

Many views will differ as to where the talented Jamaica would play if successful in becoming a professional footballer. Let’s look at some of the leagues for example. Playing as a full-back in Italy’s Serie A could suit Bolt. Some of the oldest players thrive in Italy and I’m sure Bolt would adjust well.

Let’s go to England. Bolt loves Manchester United, I personally believe it would be a dream for him and the marketing department of the Red Devils if they should offer him a deal. But on the football side, we know players tend to get slower with age and playing as a full-back in England could be a challenge for Bolt, maybe he could come on as a sub and give you a good 10-15 minutes in that position. However playing an enter game in that position could be a challenge for the eight-time Olympic gold medallist.

We know in England, full-backs put in some serious running, and if Bolt should mark fellow Jamaican and friend Raheem Sterling in the Manchester Derby, Usain would certainly struggle.

With his height and speed, Bolt could pose a problem for defenders if placed in his preferred number 9 role. I’m not sure he has the finish like Romelu Lukaku but I’m sure in somebody’s fantasy football team, the pair would make a dream partnership.

Football training is different from that of track, though there are similarities in the training regime of every sport, there are also differences. However, if Bolt is to make it as a professional footballer, he will have to work twice as hard, compared to other professionals who have been playing the sport in academies and clubs for most of their lives.

Whilst still a sprinter Bolt expressed a desire to play football for Manchester United, a team that Bolt has been a fan of for a while. He was a special guest of theirs at the 2011 UEFA Champions League final in London.

Bolt gave serious attention to football starting in early 2018 when he began training with Norwegian side Stromsgodset, he indeed featured for them in a friendly game against the Norwegian u19 National side. Interestingly he wore the shirt number 9.58 in reference to his world record 100m time.

On the 21st August 2018, his 32nd birthday, Bolt started training with Australian soccer side Central Coast Mariners, he made his debut on the 31st August 2018, coming on as substitute against an Amateur side in a friendly. Bolt nearly scored on his debut, narrowly failing to get on the end of a cross.

Interestingly Bolt is not listed as being in the Central Coast Mariners squad according to the teams website. However the teams first competitive match is not until the 21st October 2018 against Brisbane Roar FC and it could be that Bolt is still working on making the squad and therefore is still in training.

If Bolt is no longer with the Mariners it will be interesting to see where he will turn up next, Bolt loves England but I think playing football on a very cold December day wouldn't be too appealing for a Jamaican, so I would be looking to see if he pops up in any of the warmer footballing nations.

But can he make it as a professional footballer? Maybe yes, maybe no. But you cannot rule out this talented Jamaican phenomenon conquering another sport.