Five sports men who are also into music

Inasmuch as both professions require a totally different craft, music and sports have struck a wonderful partnership – and the industry players love it.

Just imagine a footballer unlacing his boots for the microphone; or a boxer laying down his gloves for the organ; or even a sprinter putting all that speed behind him for a session in the studio.

Pulse Sports brings you a list of five sportsmen who have taken to producing music as well.

1. Manny Pacquiao

The Filipino boxer is widely recognized for his in-ring antics, but his talents stretch further than just that. Manny Pacquiao is the current WBO welterweight champion is one of the best pound-for-pound boxers on the planet, but even that has not stopped him from taking up a career in music.

The Filipino has always been known to be an ardent admirer of good music. However, in 2006 he officially launched his music career with an album called "Sometimes When We Touch". And with just weeks to his ‘fight of the century’ bout against Floyd Mayweather, the boxer again released a track titled "Lalaban Ako Para Sa Filipino" which translates in English as "I Fight for the Filipino People".

For those who do not know; Pacquiao is not only into boxing and music. The Filipino is also into acting. Now that’s talent.

2. Asamoah Gyan

The Ghanaian international is best known for his goals on the pitch – notably that sweet-footed goal against USA in the round of 16 stage of the 2010 World Cup in Brazil. But Gyan, like many footballers, loves music. Only that his has been taken to a new level, because he actually considers himself a musician.

The Black Stars captain has always been the cheer leader in camp, leading ‘jama’ songs and showcasing exciting dancing moves whenever he scores. But beyond all that is a music career that got the world sitting up in 2010.

A collaboration with Ghanaian artiste Castro produced the single “Ghana girls” which became a major hit in the West African country that year. The song enjoyed airplay on the BBC and other musical channels across the globe.

The ‘Baby Jet’ as he is nicknamed, has managed to combine both football and music, and is also currently a boxing promoter. Now that’s a huge for one man.

3. Ronaldinho

The Brazilian legend made his name by dazzling the world with his unimaginable football skills. Ronaldinho simply transcended football, and rightfully won the FIFA world best player twice in his prime.

And despite being known as an admirer of music, Ronaldinho took the world by surprise when he released his debut track this year. Having featured on a couple of musical records in the past, the former Barcelona and AC Milan man finally released a single titled ‘Sozinho’.

Sozinho translates in English as “Alone”, and is currently enjoying air play in Brazil.

Although the 37-year-old is currently without a club, his music career is on the rise. Wondering if he would be best remembered for his football or music? The answer is obvious.

4. John Daly

John Patrick Daly was a professional American golfer who took his career to another level by adding some studio works. The 50-year-old was a phenomenal golfer in the 90s, with his triumph in the 1991 PGA championship making him one of the most successful golfers in America.

However, Daly had another passion. And it was for music. The world was first opened to Daly’s muscial talent when he provided back-up vocals for a Kid Rock song titled ‘Half Your Age’. That was in 2007.

But it was in 2010 that Daly’s musical career would actually take a huge leap. After releasing his first album, ‘My Life’, he quickly followed up with the release of his second ‘I Only Know One way’, which had over 10 tracks.

John Daley plays golf till date, but his musical career is also his priority.

5. Oscar De La Hoya

The retired boxer was one of the most decorated in his generation, winning numerous titles including the Super Featherweight, Lightweight and Light Welterweight titles in a largely glittering career.

But if you ever thought that Manny Pacquiao is the only boxer to have also nurtured a music career, then you are wrong. Oscar De La Hoya equally tallied music to his boxing career. The Mexican-American launched his music career in 2000 with the release of his first album. The compilation was titled ‘Oscar’ and it was released in both English and Spanish.

In fact, De La Hoya’s music trilled many, with his album topping the Latin dance charts that year. One of his singles, ‘Ven a Mi’ was also nominated for a Grammy Award after it enjoyed massive airplay on several music channels.