In a move that has surprised fans across sports and entertainment alike, former French footballer Claude Makélélé has been confirmed as one of the judges for the upcoming Miss Universe 2025 pageant. Known for his illustrious football career, including stints at Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, Makélélé’s new role marks a notable crossover from sports to the glamorous world of global pageantry.
The 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant is scheduled for November 21, 2025, in Pak Kret, Thailand, and will feature contestants from across the globe vying for one of the most prestigious titles in international beauty competitions. The announcement of Makélélé as a judge has sparked curiosity, with many asking why a football legend is participating in a beauty pageant — a combination that, on the surface, seems unusual but reflects broader trends in celebrity influence and cross-industry branding.
Speaking about his appointment, Makélélé shared his enthusiasm and willingness to embrace the opportunity:“In life, you need to have many experiences … my people who work with me presented me with this kind of opportunity. So why not?”
He also remarked on the appeal of judging a pageant:“We all come from women… yes, the women in general are beautiful women. We love to see beautiful women, it’s normal.”
Makélélé’s career on the football field is well documented. Born in Kinshasa, then Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), he rose to prominence in French football, earning 71 caps for France’s national team. He won league titles in France, Spain, and England, and played an integral role in the midfield as one of the world’s most respected defensive midfielders.
His inclusion on the Miss Universe judging panel signals a trend of high-profile celebrities from diverse fields joining international pageants. Historically, judges have included actors, former beauty queens, musicians, and fashion icons. Makélélé’s appointment adds a new dimension — a sports personality whose career emphasizes discipline, performance under pressure, and global recognition.
While the connection between football and beauty pageants may seem tenuous, there are several reasons why Makélélé’s presence
Media outlets have highlighted both the novelty and the potential publicity boost for Miss Universe. The Sun noted that “Premier League winner, 52, lands shock new job as Miss Universe judge as he says ‘we love to see beautiful women’,” reflecting the lighthearted but headline-grabbing nature of this news.
Makélélé’s participation fits within a broader trend in the pageant industry. Judges are increasingly selected from varied fields — music, sports, business, and entertainment — to enhance media coverage and global interest. High-profile judges can also lend credibility and spark conversations that attract new demographics.
Past pageants have seen notable personalities like Tyra Banks, Olivia Culpo, and even tech entrepreneurs serving as judges. Makélélé’s football credentials offer something different — a global sports perspective that complements the traditional panel of fashion, entertainment, and media experts.
Makélélé himself appears to be approaching the role with humor and openness, signaling that he is ready to embrace the pageant experience fully. Whether this signals a new era of cross-industry celebrity judges remains to be seen, but for now, it has certainly captured the imagination of fans across sports and entertainment.