Football Stars Who Have Tested Positive for COVID-19

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, AC Milan - Striker

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic tested positive for the coronavirus in September saying, "COVID had the courage to challenge me. Bad idea.". He recovered from the infection in time to play against Inter Milan in the Derby della Madonnina on Oct. 17.

Photo: AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates his goal against Bologna during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Bologna at the San Siro stadium, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Sept. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Cristiano Ronaldo, Juventus - Forward - Left Winger

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s biggest stars and among the world’s most famous athletes, tested positive for the coronavirus, Portugal’s soccer federation announced on October 13. The 35-year-old Juventus forward was doing well and had no symptoms of COVID-19 according to the federation.

 

Photo: Five-time world player of the year Ronaldo appeared in his side’s 0-0 draw away to France in the Nations League.

Kylian Mbappé, PSG - Forward - Striker

The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed in early September Paris Saint-Germain and France striker Kylian Mbappé tested positive for COVID-19. Mbappé marked his recovery and return to action with a goal in a 3-0 PSG win over Nice.

Photo: France's Kylian Mbappe controls the ball during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Croatia and France at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb, Croatia, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Neymar, PSG - Forward

Brazilian international star Neymar was one of several Paris Saint-Germain players to have tested positive for COVID-19, according to multiple reports. Neymar was clear of the coronavirus and back in training with PSG by mid-September.

Photo: PSG's Neymar during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France, Sunday, Sept.13, 2020. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Paulo Dybala, Juventus, Forward - Second Striker

Dybala tested positive for COVID-19 in the midst of its global epidemic in Italy. Dybala started training again in late March after recovering from the illness.

Photo: Juventus' Paulo Dybala celebrates after scoring a goal during an Italian Serie A soccer match between Genoa and Juventus at the Luigi Ferraris stadium in Genoa, Italy, Tuesday, June 30, 2020. (Tano Pecoraro/LaPresse via AP)

Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chelsea, Forward - Left Winger

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi was announced to have been a positive COVID-19 case. Hudson-Odoi was the first footballer in the Premier League to have a confirmed instance of the infection. The Chelsea winger 'fully recovered' from coronavirus by the end of March.

Photo: Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, in London England, Jan. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Leila Coker)

Paul Pogba, Manchester United - Midfielder

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was removed from the France squad for UEFA Nations League in late August after testing positive for the coronavirus. Pogba returned to training with Manchester United in mid-September following isolation.

Photo: Manchester United's Paul Pogba runs with the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. (Carl Recine/Pool via AP)

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal - Manager

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for COVID-19 on March 12, according to a statement on the club's official website. He completed his recovery and returned to work with the Premier League side.

Photo: Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta gestures from the side lines to his players during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Sadio Mane, Liverpool - Forward

The Senegalese footballer tested positive for the coronavirus in early October for the English Premier League champions. Mane recently returned to training after a period of self-isolation.

Photo: Liverpool's Sadio Mane celebrates after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge Stadium. (Michael Regan/Pool via AP, File)