Usain Bolt, the former world's fastest man, has signed for Wythenshawe Vets, a non-League English football club. The Jamaican sprinter, who holds the 100m and 200m world records, is now a registered player for the team, which competes in the ninth tier of the English football pyramid.
Bolt, 40, had previously expressed interest in joining the club, telling talkSPORT in January that he was "ready" if he could get into shape. The final paperwork for his registration is now reportedly complete, with his name appearing on the FA's Full-Time website.
Wythenshawe Vets is known for assembling a squad of former professional players. The team's roster includes notable names such as former England and Liverpool striker Emile Heskey, ex-Everton striker Oumar Niasse, former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia, and Premier League title winners Joleon Lescott and Danny Drinkwater. Other former professionals in the squad include Papiss Cisse, Stephen Ireland, Nedum Onuoha, and Danny Drinkwater.
Bolt has a history with football, having pursued a professional career after retiring from athletics. In 2018, he spent two months training with Australian side Central Coast Mariners. He left the club after they were unable to secure financial backing for a professional contract. During his time with the Mariners, Bolt scored two goals in a friendly match in October 2018.
He also reportedly turned down an offer from Maltese club Valletta due to wage demands and had training stints with Norwegian team Stromsgodset and German club Borussia Dortmund. Reflecting on his attempts at a professional career, Bolt stated it was a "good experience" and he "really enjoyed just being in a team."
The Wythenshawe Vets club has gained significant attention through social media, attracting hundreds of spectators to its home ground. Stephen Ireland, a long-term player for the team, has spoken about the benefits of the club for former professionals, citing opportunities to continue playing, stay fit, and support mental health. He emphasized that the team plays purely for enjoyment and fitness, aiming to foster a positive environment for opposition teams as well.
