25 Current Footballers Guaranteed to Become TV Analysts

It is always interesting to see which former players wind up as color commentators, analysts and sports personalities after their careers are over.

Some you know would be just the regular run-of-the-mill announcer, but others could offer so much more.

From personality and humor to flair and passion on the microphone, here are 25 players that are certain to have a go at being TV analysts.

Phil Neville

Phil Neville's older brother, Gary Neville, already has his moment in the sun as an announcer for ESPN.

With Gary already in the game, there is no reason to believe that Phil will forgo the announcer's booth forever.

Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan just sealed a great weekend with a hat trick against Scotland.

However, when it comes time to close out his career, the talented American forward is likely to follow the lead of great internationals before him and head into the announcer's booth.

Jamie Carragher

Liverpool's legendary vice-captain has had his eye on a career in management.

However, between jobs Carra may just make a foray into the world of color commentary.

Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard is a class act both on the pitch and off.

The England and Liverpool captain is always a class act in interviews and could easily take that into the other side of the questioning.

David Beckham

David Beckham loves the sound of his own voice as much as, or more than, the next person.

There is no way he is shrinking from the spotlight to just retire.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese pretty boy that Cristiano Ronaldo is makes him a lover of the spotlight.

There is no way that Ronaldo is going to be able to retire and not keep seeing his fave on the television or hearing his voice on the radio.

Francesco Totti

The AS Roma veteran is a sure bet to have a career after football, one of which is almost certain to be a stint behind the microphone calling a match or two for Serie A.

Gianluigi Buffon

Goalkeepers are known for being some of the most knowledgeable about the game.

When his time comes to an end with Juventus, the club's legendary captain, Gianluigi Buffon, is likely to find himself still involved on match days—but with a different set of skills called into action.

Mathieu Flamini

Mathieu Flamini has been a quiet French talent in many ways, but career-threatening injuries sometimes can cause player to have to call it quits too early.

If Flamini fails to avoid niggling injury complications for AC Milan in the coming season, the 28-year-old could look to a new career in the announcer's booth.

Jermaine Defoe

The Tottenham forward is always one that seems to speak his mind, and that is a quality possessed by many players that would become announcers.

Defoe also seems to have the personality for the job. Defoe was in the running for Sports Personality of the Year in 2010, as previously discussed in the Daily Mirror.

Carlos Puyol

Spanish and Barcelona defender Carlos Puyol is way too big of a character and personality in the Catalan region of Spain not to have a go at calling the action on the pitch.

Also his injury before the European Championship this summer could see him head to commentary for at least a little while to still be involved for his nation.

John Terry

Chelsea captain and former England captain John Terry is almost certain to call a match or two once he retires, as it is likely he will fade away too quickly without make a pass at announcing.

Frank Lampard

Another Chelsea veteran that I could hear calling a match would be 33-year-old Frank Lampard.

The deep-voiced Londoner could make quite a name for himself behind the microphone with his recognizable tone.

Alessandro Del Piero

Although Alessandro Del Piero did not get to lift a domestic cup double with Juve one last time, he did deliver part of an unbeaten, Scudetto-winning 2011-12 season—which appears to be his last.

If Del Piero fails to get another job of his liking, he would be a great TV announcer for the home team.

Kaka

Kaka is one of the most widely respected players in the game.

It is without a doubt that the media world would not treat him any different, as he could be another great Brazilian color commentator.

Iker Casillas

Iker Casillas already has an "in" with the world of footballing media due to his longtime leading lady, Sara Carbonero.

If he wanted to head for the broadcaster's booth, he certainly has the credentials to make the switch after his career on the pitch.

Robbie Fowler

One of the greatest English finishers of all time, Robbie Fowler has kicked around the coaching scene (with little success, truth to be told) over the last few years.

Usually when players have failed at continuing their career with coaching, they find their way to the announcer's spot as the next best option.

Michael Owen

Once one of the greatest talents in the world, Owen has never managed to live up the his potential on the pitch after leaving Liverpool.

However, players like himself often find themselves on the other side of the microphone before their footballing lives are complete.

Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho just looks and acts like he would be a fun announcer to listen to. His always smiling personality would surely come through during his commentary.

Clint Dempsey

Clint "The Deuce" Dempsey is almost certain to be a color commentator for Major League Soccer once his career is over on the pitch.

The talented American is a down-to-earth personality that would bring balance to any other action-caller he worked with.

Brad Friedel

Brad Freidel is already booking guest spots on Fox Soccer Channel, and the Tottenham shot-stopper doesn't have a lot of time left on the pitch.

Positioning himself for the next phase of his career is certainly a good idea for the 41-year-old.

Chris Wondolowski

Chris Wondolowski just has too cool of a name not to hear over and over again, week in and week out, as a commentator's.

His comb-over hair style and goatee are also perfect for the job.

The best part would be seeing how many times his colleagues would mess it up when they introduced him.

Mario Balotelli

Come on, people: This would be a jackpot for ratings as the most self-centered player on the planet would certainly not want to comment on others without commenting on himself at the same time.

Who wouldn't want to tune in just to see what crazy Mario would say next?

Miroslav Klose

The German striking legend is certain to have something to do with the game once his playing career is over.

For Klose that next best thing could just be as an announcer.

Dirk Kuyt

Dirk Kuyt is known as one of the hardest-working players in the game. He is also one that is personable on camera.

The Netherlands could enjoy an international of his stature providing commentary for the Eredivisie in the future.