THE BALLER League is coming to the UK for the first time, and a lot of talent was on display.
The weekly indoor football tournament originated in Germany in 2023 by entrepreneur Felix Starck, alongside Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski.
Former legends such as Ian Wright, John Terry and Luis Figo, and celebrities such as rapper Santan Dave and fashion designer Clint 419 have taken the role of managing teams.
With the first match week completed, which players have played at the highest level in their careers?
Jordan Ibe
The 29 year-old now plays for John Terry’s 26ers, who lost their first game in the league 5-2.
The winger who featured in Jürgen Klopp’s first game in charge of Liverpool, once earned in excess of £35,000 a week, and in the Baller League, now earns around £400 per game.
Ibe’s career has been full of ups and downs, going from the bright lights of Anfield, to the Southern Premier Division South team Hungerford Town, and now to the Baller League.
Ciaran Clark
The centre-back most recently played for Stoke City, but in his career he has made 214 Premier League appearances with Aston Villa and Newcastle.
At 35 years old, Clark is now playing in the Baller League for Trebol FC, under manager Luis Figo.
Bakary Sako
Sako, who has played for St-Etienne, Wolves, West Brom and most recently in France, made the move to the Baller League to play for Deportrio.
Managed by trio Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Gary Lineker, the winger picked up 47 Premier League appearances during his time at Crystal Palace.
Sako is also an established star for his country, making 21 appearances for Mali.
Michael Hector
Starting his career off at Reading, Hector moved to Chelsea in 2015, where he went on numerous loans, the most notable being to Eintracht Frankfurt.
He was also involved in Fulham’s promotion to the Premier League in 2019/20, starting at centre-back in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
The 32-year-old has represented Jamaica since 2015 where he has earned over 45 appearances and featured in several CONCACAF Gold Cups.
In a shock move, Hector joined National League strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge on March 8, but was drafted to play for Yanited under Youtuber Angry Ginge less than 48 hours later.
Henri Lansbury
Graduating from Arsenal’s academy, Lansbury was handed eight first team appearances for the Gunners, but was best known for his time in the Midlands.
The midfielder picked up 150 appearances for Nottingham Forest, until signing for Aston Villa in 2017, and staying there until 2021.
Lansbury retired at Luton Town in August 2023, and will be playing for VZN FC under Sidemen Youtuber TBJZL after being the second player drafted in the Baller League.
