Fans will get another glimpse of Marvin Sordell as the former Premier League star is set to feature in the first-ever Baller League UK.
Starting on Monday, March 24, 12 teams will compete in the ultimate six-a-side league to be crowned champions of small-sided football.
Founded in Germany, KSI and fellow influencers have paved the way for the Baller League roadshow to arrive on UK shores.
Taking place at London’s Copper Box Arena, the competition will see ex-professional footballers, futsal players, and celebrities collide on a purpose-built pitch in what promises to be a remarkable spectacle.
Footballing legends like John Terry, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards are among the managers who have pieced together teams from drafts.
They’ll go up against the likes of Angry Ginge, Maya Jama, and Brit award winning rapper Dave in the dugout.
Who Is Marvin Sordell?
Among the players selected in the inaugural draft was Marvin Sordell, a name that may ring a bell for football fans of a certain era.
He was chosen by Premier League legends and popular pundits Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, and Gary Lineker for their team, Deportrio.
Born in London, Sordell began his career as a youngster at Fulham before switching to Watford, where he enjoyed the best years of his career.
By 18, he was playing and scoring regularly for The Hornets. Over three seasons, he made 82 appearances and scored 27 goals, which was enough to tempt Premier League side Bolton into signing him for a reported £3 million in 2012.
Following a productive yet turbulent spell at Bolton, Sordell returned to London with Charlton, netting eight goals in 35 matches.
His strong form earned him a reunion with his former Watford manager, Sean Dyche, at Burnley, who had just been promoted to the Premier League for the 2014/15 season.
However, things didn’t quite take off for him at Turf Moor, and he gradually slipped down the leagues.
Stints at Colchester, Coventry, Burton, Northampton, and Kettering followed, before he signed with his most recent club, Rayners Lane, in the Isthmian League South Central Division.
Despite retiring from the professional game earlier than many expected at 28, Sordell still enjoyed a fine career.
Alongside featuring at the top level, he represented England at U20 and U21 level, as well as Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.
Since leaving football, Sordell has opened up about how online abuse and the pressures of the professional game seriously impacted his mental health.
In an emotional interview with ESPN, he revealed: “At my lowest point, I attempted to take my own life. I was on loan at Charlton from Bolton at the time.
“I felt very heavy. Life was difficult – it felt difficult to wake up every day and go to work. I hadn’t felt joy in a very long time.”
Sordell is now a successful producer, writer, and public speaker, dedicated to shedding light on difficult subjects such as mental health and racism in football.
How Old Is Marvin Sordell?
At 34, Marvin Sordell is still more than capable of making a big impact in Baller League UK.
Who Will Marvin Sordell Be Playing With?
Sordell’s teammates at Deportrio include former Wolves, Crystal Palace, and West Brom winger Bakary Sako, along with ex-Arsenal youngster Zach Fagan.
The full Deportrio squad for Baller League UK consists of: Bakary Sako, Adam Dawson, Francis Gerald Mapolo, Zach Fagan, Marvin Sordell, Charlie Kuehn, Tommy Scott, Raphael Gas, Alex Dyer, Ruben Singale, Tristan Goodridge, and Leo Serri.
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