#2 Sean Connery
Well known worldwide for his famous exhibitions in the hit James Bond series, the British national on-screen character has made his way into our souls with his quiet and gathered persona on screen.
In his more youthful years, Connery was a sharp footballer, playing for novice side Bonnyrigg Rose and was offered the opportunity to take a preliminary with Scottish side East Fife.
Sportsperson Compassion: Sadio Mane – A Modest Human
Fortuitously, his preliminary match was viewed by none other than then director of Manchester United, the amazing Matt Busby, who offered him an agreement on the spot worth about £25/week.
Sean Connery turned down the agreement, thinking that since he was 23 at the time, and the normal footballer played till around 30 years, he had a maximum of seven years left in him, and that it was certifiably not a possible profession way.
That choice ended up being totally right, as he proceeded to bond his status as a Hollywood legend. He anyway keeps on supporting football, always exchanging coalition between both Old Firm adversaries to the frustration of fans.
For the #1 sport icon who could have become a professional footballer, move on to the next page!
