Bolivian President Evo Morales signed by local football club
The 54-year-old has signed for a professional club in his home country
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.President Evo Morales has been signed by a professional club in Bolivia for next season.
Despite being 54 years old, the keen football fan will reportedly play for Sport Boys next season - a team from the south-eastern part of the country.
According to the first division club, Morales will play for about 20 minutes per game, although not in every match due to his other commitment, running the country.
He is set to receive the minimum salary, around £174.
"He loves football and plays well," said Sport Boys' president Mario Cronenbold. "He'll wear the No 10 shirt."
"We'll send him a list of matches and he'll chose which ones to play in," he said.
Unsurprisingly, playing with a professional football club, particularly one in the top tier of Bolivian football, is said to be 'a dream come true' for Morales according to local politician Edwin Tupa.
It is not the first time Morales has hit the headlines for his exploits on the football field. In 2010 he found himself in hot water after appearing to be caught on camera kneeing an opponent in the groin, in a heated match against the mayor of La Paz's team.
Two players were sent off in that game, including one of the President's bodyguards, as local police tried to arrest an opposition player following the game for a particularly vicious foul on the President - fortunately the mayor intervened in the player's favour and rescued him.
Whether the President's apparent penchant for the odd off-the-ball incident will render him a liability on the pitch is just one of the many interesting things that fans of Sport Boys will have to wait to find out when he joins their side next season.
If all goes well perhaps this could pave the way for more world leaders turning their hand to the sport.
The New York Red Bulls could put together a strike partnership of Barack Obama and Thierry Henry that has a definite ring to it and based on this season's performances, who knows, perhaps even Aston Villa fan David Cameron could improve his club's fortunes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments