From Pitch to Stage: K-Pop Idols Who Were Football Stars

With football fans around the world immersed in World Cup excitement, it’s the perfect time to spotlight K-pop idols who once dreamed of making it big on the pitch. Before winning hearts with chart-topping songs and electrifying performances, several idols were talented football players, with some even representing youth national teams or training with professional clubs.

From The Pitch to The Stage: K-Pop Idols Who Were Football Stars

Here are the K-pop stars who traded football boots for microphones and proved they could shine in both arenas.

LEO [VIXX]

Before becoming the powerful main vocalist of VIXX, Leo was a highly promising football player. He played for South Korea’s junior national football teams for three years, from 2004 to 2007, showcasing exceptional talent on the field. Although an injury eventually led him to pursue music instead, football has remained an important part of his life.

WOODZ

Long before earning recognition as the versatile soloist Woodz, Cho Seungyoun spent part of his childhood in Brazil. During his time there, he played for SC Corinthians Paulista, a Brazilian soccer team. While he eventually chose a career in entertainment over professional sports, his football background remains one of the most fascinating chapters of his journey.

ROH JI HOON

Roh Ji Hoon dedicated nearly a decade of his youth to football before pursuing music. From fourth grade in elementary school until his third year of high school, he played as a goalkeeper for South Korea’s junior national football team. His impressive goalkeeping abilities have continued to shine with fans calling him the iron wall defence at the idol star athletic championship.

DONGJUN [ZE:A]

Kim Dongjun has long been recognised as one of K-pop’s most athletic idols. His speed, strength, and agility made him a standout competitor in the Idol Star Athletics Championships. Before debuting with ZE:A, Dongjun played football extensively throughout his school years and was even actively scouted as a potential professional player.

YOON DOO JOON [Highlight]

If there’s one idol synonymous with football, it’s Highlight’s Yoon Doojoon. A lifelong football enthusiast, he played competitively throughout middle school and is deeply passionate about the sport. He later became an honorary ambassador for the K League and often plays for the celebrity soccer team FC MEN.

YUTA [NCT]

NCT’s Yuta also boasts an impressive football background. Before moving to South Korea to chase his dream of becoming an idol, he spent almost a decade playing football in Japan. Yuta reportedly played from the age of five until he was sixteen, developing solid athletic skills that fans occasionally get to see during sports-related variety shows.

ASAHI [TREASURE]

Before captivating fans worldwide as a member of TREASURE, Asahi was a dedicated young football player in his hometown of Osaka. He played for Osaka City Juniors FC in 2013 and competed in the Osaka Prefectural Under-11 Football Qualifiers as well as the regional qualifiers for the Japanese National Youth Football Championship.

CHANELLE MOON [FIFTY FIFTY]

Chanelle Moon, who debuted as a member of FIFTY FIFTY in 2024, also has an impressive sporting background. Growing up in the United States, she played football as both a midfielder and center forward during her childhood. Recently, clips showcasing her football skills went viral online, earning praise for her ball control and talent on the field.

Many K-pop idols have backgrounds in sports, but these artists took their passion for football to another level. As World Cup excitement continues, these idols remind us that talent isn’t limited to just one field.