Top footballers today aren’t just scoring on the field—they’re also excelling in the world of business. With lucrative earnings, endorsements, and substantial fanbases, these athletes are using their wealth and influence to build empires that can outlast their athletic careers. From technology investments to real estate and luxury brands, football’s highest earners are showing that strategic business ventures can be as fulfilling as their game-winning goals. Here’s a closer look at some of the high-income footballers making waves in the world of business.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Building a Lifestyle Empire
Cristiano Ronaldo’s brand extends far beyond the football field, thanks to his sharp business acumen and diverse investments. Beyond his record-breaking contracts and Nike endorsements, Ronaldo has ventured into hospitality and fitness, solidifying his place as one of football’s top earners with a flair for business. His Pestana CR7 hotel line, a collaboration with the Pestana Hotel Group, has properties in Madeira, Lisbon, and Madrid. In addition, Ronaldo has tapped into the fitness market with his CR7 Fitness gyms, offering fans a way to emulate his athletic lifestyle. These ventures, along with his personal brand of clothing, fragrances, and footwear, ensure that the CR7 name remains influential in multiple sectors, setting Ronaldo up for long-term success beyond his football career.
2. Lionel Messi – Real Estate and Retail Ventures
Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s iconic on-field rival, has been equally ambitious in his business endeavors. Known for his low-key, calculated approach, Messi has primarily invested in real estate, an industry well-suited for building wealth and stability over time. Through his holding company, Majestic, Messi has launched MiM Hotels, a high-end hotel chain with properties in prime Spanish tourist destinations like Ibiza, the Costa Brava, and Mallorca. Messi’s investments also include his own fashion line, The Messi Store, which features clothing and accessories that cater to his massive fanbase. By focusing on real estate and fashion, Messi ensures his wealth will continue to grow steadily as he approaches retirement, offering a blueprint for younger athletes.
3. David Beckham – From Football Star to Business Mogul
David Beckham has achieved what few retired footballers have: a seamless transition into business. Beckham’s ventures are as varied as they are profitable, spanning industries like hospitality, sports, and fashion. He is the co-owner of Inter Miami CF, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team that has attracted international stars and raised the profile of soccer in the U.S. Beckham has also expanded his brand through Haig Club, a whiskey label launched in partnership with Diageo, and Guild Esports, an eSports team, tapping into the digital sports boom. Through strategic endorsements with Adidas, H&M, and others, Beckham has become a global brand ambassador, making him one of the wealthiest former footballers and a role model for players looking to transition smoothly from sport to business.
4. Gerard Piqué – A Visionary in Sports and Media
Spanish defender Gerard Piqué has proven to be one of the savviest investors among footballers. Piqué co-founded Kosmos Holding, a sports and entertainment investment group that acquired a stake in the tennis Davis Cup and revamped the competition format, gaining media attention worldwide. Kosmos has also invested in digital media, helping Piqué expand his business reach. Additionally, he owns a stake in FC Andorra, a lower-division Spanish football club, where he hopes to transform the club through strategic investments and international marketing. By focusing on sports, media, and entertainment, Piqué has shown a forward-thinking approach that extends his influence beyond the football field.
5. Neymar Jr. – Investing in Gaming and Digital Entertainment
Brazilian football sensation Neymar Jr. has made a name for himself in digital entertainment, gaming, and brand partnerships. Known for his passion for gaming, Neymar has collaborated with Epic Games’ Fortnite and gained a large following on streaming platforms like Twitch. His partnerships include collaborations with brands like Puma, Red Bull, and Qatar Airways, all of which add to his impressive portfolio. Neymar’s love of digital entertainment has also led him to invest in eSports, capitalizing on the growing intersection between sports and gaming. His ventures not only provide him with steady revenue streams but also keep him connected with his fanbase, allowing him to build a lasting personal brand.
6. Zlatan Ibrahimović – Taking Risks with Startups and Gaming
Known for his bold personality, Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović brings that same confidence to his business investments. He holds a stake in Bethard, a sports betting company, and has launched his own gaming brand, Zlatan Legends, allowing fans to engage with his brand digitally. Ibrahimović has also invested in fashion, launching his own line called A-Z Sportswear. His ventures are bold and align well with his distinctive image, showing that his business moves are as ambitious as his on-field performance. Ibrahimović’s investments illustrate that, like in football, he’s willing to take risks in pursuit of significant rewards.
Final Thoughts: Leading with Vision and Strategy
These footballers are proving that financial success can continue long after retirement from sports. Through careful planning, diversified portfolios, and strategic brand-building, they are setting examples for younger players, showing that a career in football can be the foundation for even greater achievements. From real estate and hospitality to digital media and sports technology, these players have branched out to create impactful business empires.
