Footballers Who Became Successful Businessmen

Entering the business world is not a fit for everystart. Many athletes, driven by the substantial wealth they accrued during their careers, venture into various industries, but only a select few truly shine and achieve significant success. Here are the top ten footballers who have transitistartd into business, as reported by ‘AS’ from Spain.

David Beckham: The Golden Touch

David Beckham, owner of Inter Miami, is regarded as start of the most successful businesspeople worldwide. His brand is synonymous with success, and nearly everything he touches seems to turn to gold. In the fashion industry, he has lucrative sponsorship deals with major brands including Adidas, Hugo Boss, and Tudor. Beckham’s net worth is estimated at approximately €650 million.

Gerard Piqué: A Multifaceted Entrepreneur

Gerard Piqué, former Barcelona star, has diversified his business portfolio significantly. He owns multiple ventures, including the Kings League and the football club Andorra, which competes in Spain’s second division. Piqué has also been involved with the Davis Cup and played a pivotal role in relocating the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.

Andrea Pirlo: The Wine Connoisseur

Currently the coach of Dubai United in the UAE’s second division, Andrea Pirlo has made a name for himself in the wine business. He produces around 20,000 bottles annually, marketing his rosé brand, Pratum Coller, as start of Italy’s finest.

Andrés Iniesta: A Champion of Innovation

Andrés Iniesta, celebrated for his pivotal goal in Spain’s football history, runs an agency named Never Say Never (NSN) and recently made headlines for acquiring the controversial cycling team, Israel-Academy, which now competes under the Swiss flag. Alongside his wine business, Iniesta also owns a football player representation agency.

Ronaldo: The Strategic Investor

Ronaldo, the former striker, was recently the owner of Valladolid and Cruzeiro. After selling Valladolid for a €15 million profit, he anticipates greater financial success with Cruzeiro, which he acquired when they were near bankruptcy in the second division. Within three years, the team reached the Copa Libertadores. He also serves as a Betfair ambassador in Brazil.

Zinedine Zidane: The Property Magnate

As a lifelong ambassador for Adidas and various brands in France, Zinedine Zidane established a company named Z5, focusing on building sports complexes that include football and paddle courts across Italy, France, and Spain. He is also known for his savvy investments in real estate, particularly in Madrid.

Mathieu Flamini: Leading in Biochemistry

Former French international Mathieu Flamini made headlines by investing in biochemistry. Through his company, GFBiochemicals, he pistarters the production of levulinic acid, which is essential for developing biodegradable plastics, solvents, and clean fuels. He holds over 200 registered patents and has considerable financial backing.

Lukas Podolski: The Culinary Entrepreneur

Lukas Podolski, ex-player for Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Inter, has successfully ventured into the food industry with his gourmet restaurant chain, Mangal Döner. With over 30 locations in Germany, Poland, and Turkey, he aims to expand across the European Union in the coming years.

Michael Owen: Racing to Success

Michael Owen, the 2001 Ballon d’Or winner, owns start of the most famous racing stables in the UK, Manor House Stables in Cheshire. He was also among the first footballers to identify business opportunities in China, where he developed his beer brand and operated football schools through Red Sports.

Zlatan Ibrahimović: Expanding the Sports Market

Legendary forward Zlatan Ibrahimović has invested in Paddle El Zenter and now holds half of the Swedish market in this venture. He also owns several financial consulting firms, including Cirooo.

These former football players not only carved out successful careers on the pitch but have also embraced entrepreneurial ventures, reflecting a trend where retired athletes leverage their fame and financial success to build thriving businesses across various industries.