Former Liverpool winger Jordan Ibe has made a surprising appearance in the new Baller League, a six-a-side competition that launched on Monday.
The 29-year-old, who once featured in Jurgen Klopp's first match as Liverpool manager, is now playing for John Terry's 26ers team.
It marks a dramatic career shift for Ibe, who has gone from the bright lights of Anfield to earning £400 per game in this innovative league.
The competition features several celebrity managers and unique rule modifications.
Jordon Ibe made 58 appearances for Liverpool
PA
The Baller League is set to run every Monday for 11 weeks at London's Copper Box Arena, with all matches being live streamed.
The competition has attracted high-profile managers including Gary Lineker, John Terry and Luis Figo.
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YouTuber KSI serves as president of the UK league, while streamer IShowSpeed heads the American version.
The format includes innovative twists on traditional football rules. During the final three minutes of each half, long-range goals count double.
Another unique feature sees goalkeepers prohibited from using their hands.
Ibe is currently playing for the 26ers, managed by former Chelsea captain John Terry.
Their opening match didn't go according to plan, with the team suffering a 5-2 defeat against SDS FC.
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The modest payment structure highlights the significant financial adjustment players face when moving from elite football to alternative competitions.
Ibe's career has taken several turns since his Liverpool days, where he played in Klopp's first match as manager in 2015.
He left Anfield in 2016 for Bournemouth in a £15m transfer, making 92 appearances over four years.
A brief spell at Derby County followed, where he made just one appearance before his contract was cancelled by mutual consent after speaking about his depression.
After a short-lived move to Turkish side Adanaspor, Ibe returned to English football in non-league.
He currently plays for seventh-tier Hungerford Town, having made nine appearances and scored once.
Jordon Ibe also played in the Premier League for Bournemouth
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Ibe isn't the only former Liverpool player to feature in the new competition.
Jerome Sinclair, who still holds the record as Liverpool's youngest ever player, has also joined the Baller League.
Sinclair has been signed by VZN FC, setting up a potential reunion with his former Anfield teammate.
The two ex-Liverpool prospects could soon face each other on the six-a-side pitch as the competition progresses through its 11-week schedule.
