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Tim Wiese in WWE: post-playing career changes

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Ex-Germany keeper Tim Wiese is set to make his WWE in-ring debut on Thursday. UEFA.com looks at some other curious post-playing jobs and asks for your predictions for today's stars.

Tim Wiese is due to make his WWE in-ring debut
Tim Wiese is due to make his WWE in-ring debut ©Getty Images

With former Germany Germany goalkeeper Tim Wiese making his WWE (professional wrestling to the uninitiated) in-ring debut in Munich on Thursday, UEFA.com looks at a selection of other curious post-football career changes from over the years.

▪ Vinnie Jones, who won nine caps for Wales, has become a Hollywood actor most famous for his role in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

▪ Ex-Turkey and Beşiktaş striker İlhan Mansız (remember that golden goal against Senegal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup?) went into professional figure skating.

▪ Former Spain goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares became a rally driver.

▪ Another ex-keeper, Fabian Barthez of France and Manchester United, began a career in motorsport in 2008 and has since competed in the Le Mans 24-hour race.

Mehmet Scholl spent most of his career at Bayern
Mehmet Scholl spent most of his career at Bayern©Getty Images

▪ Mehmet Scholl, a Bayern München player for 15 years, founded an indie record label.

▪ Knut Anders Fostervold, who played most notably for Molde in the UEFA Champions League, later competed in the Cycling Road World Championships.

▪ Former Norway, Celtic and København striker Harald Brattback is now an airline pilot.

▪ Mantas Šernius, who plied his trade for Atlantas in Lithuania, quit football aged 21 before making his name as head coach of the Lithuania women's basketball team.

▪ Ex-St Pauli keeper Volker Ippig swapped football for life as a dock worker at Hamburg Harbour.

▪ Ray Wilson, a 1966 FIFA World Cup winner with England, became an undertaker – Wiese might be coming up against one of those himself soon if his new career takes off …

We also want your predictions – genuine and tongue-in-cheek both accepted – for what some of today's stars might be into after they hang up their boots. Slalom skiing for Lionel Messi? Orchestra conductor for Luka Modrić? Let us know using #UCL on Twitter and on Facebook.

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