'I’m a Chelsea legend – now I'm judging the world’s most beautiful women in Miss Universe'

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Claude Makelele is swapping his football boots for a judge's gavel as he joins the selection committee for the Miss Universe 2025 beauty pageant. The news has left fans baffled after it was announced the Frenchman will be helping to decide who takes home the international honour in Thailand.

The winner of Miss Universe 2025 will be revealed on Friday, November 21, at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret. The reigning champion is Denmark's Victoria Theilvig, who triumphed over her rivals in Mexico City last year.

Makelele , 52, is fondly remembered by Chelsea supporters for his five-year stint at Stamford Bridge, where he became a fan favourite and etched his name into the club's history books. His defensive midfield prowess even led to the coining of 'the Makelele role', such was his knack for thwarting the opposition.

His trophy haul includes two Premier League titles and an FA Cup during his time in west London, and he was part of the squad that reached the Champions League final in 2008. After leaving Chelsea, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he hung up his boots in 2011.

Makelele, who famously fought to leave Real Madrid for Chelsea in 2003, has held various coaching roles since retiring from professional football, most recently managing Greek team Asteras Tripolis . Despite an undefeated run, he quit after just three weeks due to meddling from the club's board.

Before this, Makelele returned to Chelsea as a youth coach, a position he held for several years. The former France international, capped 71 times by France, also had brief coaching spells at Bastia and Eupen but never truly found his footing in management.

However, judging a beauty pageant could be the role he's been seeking all along. He'll be hoping to use his talent-spotting skills to ensure the right woman is crowned the winner.

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The reigning Miss Universe, Denmark's Theilvig, will pass on her crown in Thailand after enjoying a year of perks that come with the title.

The Miss Universe title comes with a £190,000 salary for the year-long reign, as well as luxury accommodation and the use of a plush New York City apartment. Winners also have all their expenses covered for international travel while making public appearances.

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It's not uncommon for Miss Universe to invite guest judges, with Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and supermodel Adriana Lima among those who have accepted the honour in the past. However, ex-midfield maestro Makelele has all the potential to make this year's ceremony the most well-structured, efficient event to date.

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