Shohei Ohtani is widely regarded as one of the most gifted and unique athletes in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Japanese phenom has shattered expectations as a two-way player, excelling both as a dominant pitcher and a powerful hitter—a feat not seen since the days of Babe Ruth. With his extraordinary talent, Ohtani has redefined what is possible in professional baseball and earned his place as one of the sport’s biggest superstars. However, recent footage circulating on social media suggests that baseball might not even be the only sport in which he could excel at the highest level.
As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to kick off their 2025 season with the MLB Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18, Ohtani has been making headlines for more than just his baseball prowess. In a viral video, the two-way sensation was seen displaying impressive soccer skills, effortlessly juggling a soccer ball with finesse that left fans and analysts in awe. This unexpected showcase of talent has reignited conversations about his overall athletic ability and sparked a fascinating debate: Could Shohei Ohtani have been a star in another sport as well?
The Unparalleled Athleticism of Shohei Ohtani
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 210 pounds, Shohei Ohtani possesses the ideal physical attributes of an elite athlete. His combination of speed, strength, agility, and coordination makes him a standout not just in baseball but potentially in a variety of sports.
Ohtani’s ability to hit towering home runs while also throwing 100 mph fastballs is already a testament to his athleticism. His explosive movements on the mound and at the plate require an incredible amount of body control, balance, and power—traits that translate well to virtually any sport.
In baseball, Ohtani’s sprint speed ranks among the fastest in the league, rivaling some of the quickest baserunners in MLB. His reaction time and hand-eye coordination are off the charts, enabling him to square up pitches from the most elite pitchers in the game. But what if Ohtani had chosen a different path? Could he have been an Olympic-level track star, a dominant basketball player, or even a professional soccer player?
Ohtani’s Soccer Skills: A Glimpse into an Alternate Reality
The viral video of Ohtani effortlessly juggling a soccer ball has led many to wonder just how good he could have been if he had pursued soccer instead of baseball. In the clip, Ohtani shows exceptional footwork, balance, and control—qualities that are essential for top-level soccer players. His ability to keep the ball in the air with precision suggests that he has spent at least some time developing his soccer skills, even if only casually.
Soccer is a sport that demands agility, endurance, and quick decision-making—three attributes that Ohtani already demonstrates on the baseball field. Given his size and speed, he could have potentially thrived as a striker, using his powerful legs to generate explosive shots, or as a midfielder, leveraging his vision and coordination to dictate the flow of the game.
Japanese soccer has produced world-class players who have excelled in top European leagues, and Ohtani’s natural athletic gifts could have made him a candidate to follow in their footsteps. While baseball ultimately became his sport of choice, it is intriguing to think about what might have been if he had dedicated himself to soccer instead.
Could Ohtani Have Excelled in Other Sports?
Beyond soccer, there is reason to believe that Ohtani could have been a multi-sport star if he had pursued different athletic endeavors. Let’s explore a few other sports where his exceptional abilities might have translated seamlessly:
Basketball
With his height, speed, and coordination, Ohtani could have been a force on the basketball court. At 6-foot-4, he would have been a versatile shooting guard or small forward, capable of slashing to the rim with ease. His leaping ability and agility could have made him an effective dunker and defender, while his hand-eye coordination would have helped him become a sharpshooter from beyond the arc. Japan has seen a rise in basketball talent, with players like Rui Hachimura making an impact in the NBA. Could Ohtani have been Japan’s next great basketball star? It’s a fascinating possibility.
Track and Field
Speed and power are crucial in both baseball and track and field, and Ohtani has an abundance of both. His sprint speed in baseball suggests that he could have been a world-class sprinter in the 100m or 200m dash. Additionally, his strength and explosiveness could have made him a formidable long jumper or even a decathlete, competing in multiple events that require agility, endurance, and technical skill.
Tennis
Hand-eye coordination is one of Ohtani’s strongest attributes, making tennis another sport in which he could have potentially excelled. With his quick reflexes and powerful swing, he might have developed into a dominant baseline player, using his reach and speed to cover the court effectively. His ability to adjust to different pitch speeds in baseball suggests that he would have adapted well to returning serves at high velocities.
The Decision to Pursue Baseball
Despite the endless possibilities of what Ohtani could have achieved in other sports, baseball was always his first love. Growing up in Japan, he idolized legends like Ichiro Suzuki and wanted to follow in their footsteps. His natural talent for both pitching and hitting set him apart at a young age, and it became clear early on that he was destined for greatness in the sport.
His journey from Japan’s Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters to MLB superstardom with the Los Angeles Angels and now the Dodgers has been nothing short of spectacular. He has not only met expectations but surpassed them, proving that he is one of the most remarkable athletes of this generation.
What Makes Ohtani a Once-in-a-Lifetime Talent?
What separates Ohtani from even the best athletes is his ability to perform at an elite level in two completely different roles within baseball. Being a successful pitcher alone requires a level of skill, focus, and training that most athletes will never achieve. The same goes for being an elite hitter. Doing both simultaneously at the highest level of competition is unprecedented in modern baseball.
This ability suggests that if he had chosen another sport, he might have been able to dominate in multiple areas there as well. His work ethic, discipline, and natural talent make it easy to believe that he could have succeeded in soccer, basketball, track, or any sport he set his mind to.
Final Thoughts: A True Athletic Marvel
Shohei Ohtani’s recent display of soccer skills is just another reminder that he is an athletic marvel. While we may never know how great he could have been in another sport, what we do know is that he is redefining the limits of what is possible in baseball. His legacy as a two-way superstar is already cemented, but his sheer athleticism leaves us wondering just how far his talents could have extended beyond the diamond.
As the Dodgers prepare to open their 2025 season in Tokyo, all eyes will be on Ohtani. Whether he’s pitching, hitting home runs, or casually juggling a soccer ball, one thing is certain—Shohei Ohtani is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete, and we are lucky to witness his greatness.
