World’s fastest man and eight-time Olympic gold medalist, Usain Bolt, has traced his way back to the world of football. Truth be told, he always had an affinity for football. Bolt’s football journey was never likely to mirror his lightning successes as a sprinter, yet it is quite remarkable that he attempted it, even into his 30s. The combination of technical gaps, age, media expectations, and financial hurdles prevented him from securing a long-term contract. But not anymore. 

Following his retirement from the track and field world, Bolt jumped at the chance to play football in 2018. It was a friendly pre-season game, part of his trial period with the Central Coast Mariners. Of course, he wasn’t perfect. But it was symbolically important for him and for the Mariners. It showed Bolt was serious about trying to transition into football. And now, he can look forward to entertaining the world at the Baller League USA. Imagine the 9.58-second man running on the field to chase a long ball? It’s a sight to dream of, but sadly, he’s taking up another interesting role. 

Notably, the Jamaican star has signed up for the Ballers League USA as a manager. It’s a small-sided plan, slated to feature 12 teams competing over 12 weeks. The matches will be held with six players on a side in an indoor field. Bolt will be one manager alongside Odell Beckham Jr., iShowSpeed, xQc, Kai Cenat, the legendary Ronaldinho Gaucho, and many others. Like Baller League USA stated on Instagram, the stars are “here to take over.”

Back in 2017, the Olympic gold medalist had a brief conversation with FIFA.com, in which he claimed, “I would love to play football now I’ve retired from track and field. I’ve been talking about it in interviews, and a lot of clubs have reached out.” However, his stint with the Central Coast Mariners concluded despite the thrill of having an Olympic sprinter on the roster. His football career looked like it was in jeopardy.

Following a two-month trial week, Usain Bolt rejected the Mariners’ contract worth $150K. After all, this amount was far less than what he was hoping to get – a whopping $3 million. Reflecting on that, he told Herald Sun, “It’s sad that it didn’t work out but we parted on good terms and that’s a good thing. I had a great experience with them. The guys were great. We just couldn’t work out things with the contract. Hopefully I get another chance with another team.” He does have a favorite club he visits when he often makes his trip to England, a club that stays in his heart forever.

Usain Bolt has repeatedly stressed that Manchester United is his absolute favorite football club. He has often emphasized that his connection with United goes beyond admiration, describing them as the team he will always stand by. But is this affinity like the Van der Waals forces? Weak and casual? Well, not really! 

Usain Bolt’s love for Manchester United isn’t casual at all!

Usain Bolt has long carried a deep affinity for Manchester United, often speaking about the club as more than just a team but a defining part of his football dreams. In 2012, he declared that if Alex Ferguson, the former manager of Manchester United, called him up, asking him to join the team, he’d have a really hard time rejecting the offer. 

In an article shared by Manchester United back in 2018, the sprint sensation announced, “This is something I am serious about. If I could be a Manchester United player in the future that would be something massive for me. I always said something – I want to play for my dream club, the biggest club in the world. For me, it would be out of this world.” 

In 2016, speaking at the premiere of I Am Bolt, he remarked he was “looking forward to Jose Mourinho ‘giving me a call’” about a possible move to Manchester United. That same year, he also directly addressed the Manchester United boss, saying, “I need you to win.” Even while entertaining interest from other teams, Bolt never let there be confusion about his number one club.

Now, as a manager for Ballers League USA, we might expect a chance invitation from Manchester United’s big guns, extending toward Usain Bolt. But at the age of 39, can he really showcase the explosive power he once displayed on the tracks?