NBA Players Who Played Soccer and How It Shaped Their Basketball Careers

I’ll never forget watching Italy captain Simone Giannelli lead his volleyball team to that stunning victory over the world No. 1, and it struck me how his background—like so many elite athletes—probably wasn’t limited to just one sport. In fact, I’ve always been fascinated by how many NBA players actually grew up playing soccer before switching to basketball. It’s not just a fun piece of trivia; I believe it fundamentally shaped their careers in ways most fans don’t even realize. Think about it—footwork, spatial awareness, endurance. These are all traits that soccer drills into you from a young age. And when you look at some of the NBA’s most agile and intelligent players, you start to notice a pattern.

Take Steve Nash, for example. The two-time MVP didn’t just dabble in soccer—he was serious about it. Growing up in Canada with a professional soccer player father, Nash played competitively until his teens. I remember watching an interview where he credited soccer for his unparalleled court vision. In soccer, you’re constantly scanning the field, anticipating movements, and making split-second passes. Sound familiar? Nash carried that exact skill set onto the basketball court, averaging over 10 assists per game at his peak. His ability to see plays unfold before anyone else wasn’t just natural talent; it was honed on the pitch. And let’s not forget his free-throw routine—that little foot shuffle? Pure soccer habit.

Then there’s Dirk Nowitzki. Before becoming an NBA champion and one of the greatest power forwards of all time, Dirk was running around soccer fields in Germany. He’s spoken about how soccer helped develop his legendary fadeaway jump shot. Seriously, it makes sense when you think about it. Soccer requires balance, coordination, and the ability to shoot accurately while off-balance—skills that translated directly into that unblockable shot of his. I’ve always felt that European players like Dirk brought a different flavor to the NBA, and a lot of that comes from their multi-sport backgrounds. It’s not just about athleticism; it’s about a different way of thinking about the game.

Kobe Bryant was another one. Though he’s more famous for his basketball legacy, Kobe spent part of his childhood in Italy, where soccer is practically a religion. He played regularly and often mentioned how it influenced his footwork and defensive stance. I mean, watch some of his defensive highlights—the way he moved his feet, stayed low, and mirrored opponents. That’s classic soccer defending. Kobe himself said that soccer taught him angles and how to cut off space, which made him one of the most feared defenders in the league. It’s no surprise that he made 12 All-Defensive Teams during his career.

And it’s not just the superstars. Role players like Pau Gasol also benefited. Gasol, who stood 7 feet tall, was an avid soccer player in Spain. He once joked that his soccer background helped him with his passing out of the post and his overall agility. I’ve always admired how Gasol moved for a big man—graceful, almost fluid. That doesn’t come from hours in the weight room alone; it comes from the dynamic movements required in soccer. In fact, studies have shown that multi-sport athletes tend to have longer careers and fewer injuries, though I don’t have the exact numbers handy. But from what I’ve seen, it’s clear as day.

Now, circling back to Giannelli—his refusal to crown his team the "best in the world" even after booting the top-ranked team resonates with me. It’s that humility and relentless drive you often see in athletes who’ve competed in multiple sports. They know there’s always more to learn, another level to reach. In the NBA, that mindset is gold. Players like Nash and Nowitzki never rested on their laurels; they kept evolving, much like Giannelli pushing his team forward. It’s a reminder that cross-training isn’t just about physical skills—it builds character.

Of course, not everyone agrees. Some argue that early specialization is key to reaching the top in today’s hyper-competitive sports world. But I’ve always leaned toward the generalist approach, at least in the early years. The data—or at least what I recall from various sports journals—suggests that around 70% of professional athletes played multiple sports as kids. Sure, that number might be off, but the trend is undeniable. And in basketball, where IQ and adaptability are as important as physical gifts, soccer provides a unique training ground.

Watching Giannelli’s leadership on the volleyball court, I can’t help but draw parallels to NBA point guards who’ve played soccer. They see the game differently. They’re not just looking at their immediate defender; they’re reading the entire floor, much like a soccer midfielder surveying the pitch. That global perspective is something you can’t teach in drills alone. It has to be experienced, and soccer offers that in spades.

So, what’s the takeaway here? For aspiring basketball players, I’d say don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Playing soccer—or any sport—can give you an edge that pure basketball training might not. It builds foundational skills that translate across disciplines. And for fans, it adds another layer to appreciate when watching the game. The next time you see a player make a no-look pass or slide seamlessly on defense, remember—they might have learned that on the soccer field. As for me, I’ll keep rooting for those multi-sport athletes; they just make the game more beautiful.