World Cup Players Who Worked In Construction

Even after representing their country at the highest level, some players decide to seek out a new life.

Currently, there are very few players in the 2026 World Cup who have also spent time in the construction industry. With many players beginning their careers at a very young age, there’s almost no time for them to explore other roles. If we were to look to the past though, things are very different. 

Throughout World Cup history, plenty of players have come from humble beginnings or have gone on to work in construction after their time on the global stage. These players certainly stand out, but there are plenty more hidden throughout the game. 

Miroslav Klose

Image of Miroslav Klose training in 2014, by Danilo Borges

Miroslav Klose is a legendary German player, the all-time top goal scorer for the country and the world-record holder for the most goals scored in the World Cup. However, his career did not start on the pitch. 

In his youth, Klose was training to be a carpenter. He passed his exams with flying colours and briefly put his studies to good use before being discovered as Germany’s next big thing. Regardless, he claims his work ethic and dedication came from his background as a craftsman. 

Moreno Torricelli

Moreno Torricelli in 1998, by Bobby Papoon

The Italian footballer Moreno Torricelli has a story relatively similar to that of Klose. Torricelli represented Italy in the 1996 and 1998 World Cups and won multiple titles with Juventus. 

But the defender had also had his sights set on being a carpenter. He worked in a furniture factory to support his dreams of becoming a footballer. When he was eventually signed to a team, he picked up the nickname Geppetto because of his past. 

Stuart Pearce

Stuart Pearce as manager of Man City in 2006, by Austin Osuide

Before he was a manager, Stuart Pearce was an English defender and represented his country at the 1990 World Cup. He also had stints at Man City, Newcastle and West Ham. 

It was back when he was playing in non-leagues that he had to earn money elsewhere though and worked as an electrician for Brent Council. The sparky went full-time at 21. 

Vinnie Jones

Vinnie Jones is perhaps now more well-known worldwide for his time as an actor. Before stepping in front of the camera, Jones stepped onto the pitch and appeared in the Welsh team for the 1998 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, where he failed to make it any further. 

Nonetheless, it was a proud moment for Jones, who had started life out as a bricklayer. His practical abilities have come to be relevant again in his current career, as he has founded an interior design and development company, alongside appearing on TV shows that track ambitious construction projects. 

From Franck Ribéry to Adil Rami, there are plenty more players who have spent time on building sites. Who knows… perhaps a future great is working as a labourer right now!