Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is planning a surprising new career path when he decides to retire. The 32-year-old is currently part of an exclusive group of English footballers who have fallen into oblivion and now play abroad.
He has scored seven goals and made three more assists in his first 31 league games for South Korean club FC Seoul.
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Lingard spent 11 years at Manchester United between 2011 and 2022, having come through the club’s renowned academy. During this period, he experienced the final years under Sir Alex Ferguson, before witnessing the club’s decline in the last ten years. The England international, who has 32 caps, had many bright moments during his time at the Premier League giants, where he won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League.
His best moment came in the 2016 FA Cup final, when he scored the winning goal against Crystal Palace at Wembley. But to say that he has fallen into oblivion is an understatement – and the attacking midfielder has even been heavily criticised for having “ruined the culture” at Manchester United since leaving England. Still, it seems that his days on the pitch are coming to an end, as he has revealed that he is planning a whole new career path.
What has happened to Jesse Lingard since he left England for South Korea?
There is no doubt that Lingard is enjoying life in South Korea. The supporters love him, he plays football with a smile on his face again, and the Englishman revealed in an interview with the Daily Mail that he feels fit enough to return to the Premier League at some point. His stats show that he runs over seven miles per game.
He also revealed that he wants to stay in South Korea for the next four years, before considering a move to the UAE or MLS. But life after football can take an unexpected turn.
“I’ve always thought about acting,” he revealed. “I say to all footballers that they shouldn’t just rely on football. If there are investments that are safe, and you have good people around you to do it, then do it. If you want to do real estate, then do it. Don’t be afraid.”
“The social aspect has to come at the right time, and I think that’s what was sometimes difficult for me. Looking back, I understand that. I don’t know if I need acting lessons, but maybe help with remembering lines and things like that. I think I have to start now, to be honest. I’m trying to do something here to get into a series or something like that. A guest appearance.”
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With Lingard’s energy and boyish charm – traits that sometimes irritated those who demanded more from him – it’s easy to imagine that he’ll thrive on stage.
A single glance at the video above is enough to show the former Manchester United star’s passion for entertainment. In the years to come, he may well find himself on the list of footballers who have chosen unusual jobs after their careers.
Eric Cantona: From football to film
Éric Cantona, the Manchester United legend, is a perfect example of a footballer who has made a successful transition into the entertainment industry. After an illustrious career on the pitch, where he became known for his charisma and leadership skills, Cantona has established himself as a respected actor. He has starred in several films and TV shows, including roles in Elizabeth (1998), Looking for Eric (2009), and Rebecca (2022). Cantona has also been involved in theatre and the arts, and his multifaceted career shows that it is possible to succeed outside of football.
Lingard seems to be inspired by Cantona, and with his charisma and confidence, he could well follow in the footsteps of the French legend. While Cantona has proven that it is possible to balance football and art, Lingard’s eventual acting career could be just as exciting to follow.
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Jesse Lingard’s plans for a new career in acting show that he is ready for new challenges after football. With Eric Cantona as an inspiration, Lingard can find success on a completely different stage. While he is still enjoying football in South Korea, the future looks bright for the English star – both on and off the pitch.
