Ex-Sunderland star lifts lid on bizarre contract clause that banned space travel

February 08, 2026 • 0 • min read

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Ex-Sunderland star lifts lid on bizarre contract clause that banned space travel

Former Sunderland star Stefan Schwarz has revealed the remarkable truth behind one of football's most unusual contract clauses - a deal that explicitly banned him from travelling to space.

The 56-year-old was back on Wearside this week to watch Sunderland claim an emphatic 3-0 home win over Burnley on Monday night, a result that underlined the club's impressive progress.

Schwarz, who spent the final four years of his 16-year playing career at the Stadium of Light between 1999 and 2003, told The Scottish Sun that the visit brought back special memories.

I have so many fond memories of my playing career - but my seasons at the Stadium of Light were very special.

I hadn't been back to Wearside in a couple of years, so to return and see how the club has moved forward was inspiring.

The former Sweden international was full of praise for Sunderland's current form.

The fact they're the only team in the Premier League still unbeaten at home is impressive.

From promotion push to Premier League stability

Schwarz joined Sunderland in the summer of 1999 following promotion to the Premier League and played a key role as the Black Cats finished seventh in his first season back in the top flight.

That campaign was powered by a lethal partnership between Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips, who combined for 44 league goals.

Back in 1999, I was lucky to play in a side with the twin strike-threat of Niall and Kevin.

It was great to meet up with them, along with Peter Reid, over 25 years after I joined the club. It was wonderful to share the memories again.

The contract clause that banned space travel

One of the most extraordinary aspects of Schwarz's Sunderland move was an addendum inserted into his contract - preventing him from leaving Earth's atmosphere.

And yes, it was completely real.

As crazy as it sounds that is quite true. When I first went to the club to sign, Moonraker was playing on the TV in the offices.

A couple of agents there were talking about the prospects of people being offered the chance to become space tourists.

A lifelong space enthusiast, Schwarz made it clear he would seriously consider being among the first civilians to travel beyond Earth.

When they realised I was deadly serious that I'd be one of the first to join, there was an addendum added saying if I were to travel beyond the Earth's atmosphere, my contract would become invalid!

To this day, he believes it remains unique.

I don't think any other player past or present has had something similar. It was just a one-off.

A globe-trotting career at Europe's elite clubs

Born in Malmö, Schwarz enjoyed a distinguished career across six European countries, representing clubs including Benfica, Arsenal, Fiorentina and Valencia.

Reflecting on his spell in north London, he said:

Joining Arsenal in 1994 developed my game further.

The old Highbury was grand and magnificent and over 30 years on I still will never forget how great the Gunners supporters were to me.

Under George Graham, Schwarz learned the importance of tactical discipline and physicality before moving to Serie A at a time when Italian football was widely regarded as the best in the world.

It was a lot more technical than England at that time.

But your private life was difficult. If everything was good, you'd be the hero, but a defeat and you'd need to stay home!

Life after football

After retiring in 2003, Schwarz worked as a football agent, served as assistant manager at Helsingborgs, and later became an ambassador for the 2018 INAS World Football Championships.

On the international stage, he earned 69 caps for Sweden and played a key role in their famous third-place finish at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

From Highbury to the Stadium of Light, and almost into orbit, Schwarz's career remains one of football's most fascinating journeys.

FAQ

Who is Stefan Schwarz?

Stefan Schwarz is a former Sweden international midfielder who played for clubs including Sunderland, Arsenal, Benfica, Fiorentina and Valencia during a 16-year professional career.

Did Stefan Schwarz really have a contract clause banning space travel?

Yes. When Schwarz signed for Sunderland in 1999, an addendum was inserted into his contract stating that it would become invalid if he travelled beyond Earth's atmosphere.

Why was the space travel clause added to his Sunderland contract?

The clause was added after Schwarz openly admitted he was serious about becoming a space tourist if the opportunity arose. Sunderland officials wanted to protect the club's investment in case of injury or risk.

Is this the strangest contract clause in football history?

It is widely regarded as one of the most unusual. Schwarz himself believes no other professional footballer has had a similar clause written into their contract.

What is Stefan Schwarz doing now?

Since retiring, Schwarz has worked as a football agent, coach, mentor to the Sweden national setup, and an ambassador for international disability football tournaments.

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