7 Famous footballers who are successful businessmen

• Most football players turn to entrepreneurship after retirement
• However, not all of them succeed in the business world
• Mathieu Flamini and David Beckham top the list of footballers who are successful businessmen

Most football players turn to entrepreneurship after retirement, but not all of them succeed. Here, we take a look at footballers who are successful businessmen.

According to reports, three out of five Premier League players declare bankruptcy a few years after retirement. Well, this shouldn’t be a surprise considering footballers tend to have a reputation for being bad at handling money. Instead of investing, some like George Best waste their money on women, fast cars and squander the rest.

In this article, we recognize the top names in football who have invested their money wisely and are now enjoying the fruits after retirement.

1. Mathieu Flamini

Mathieu Flamini. Photo/ Wired UK.

Mathieu Flamini had a remarkable football career playing for top clubs such as Arsenal, AC Milan and Marseille. While he is rarely talked about nowadays, Flamini is busy increasing his wealth through his bioscience firm known as GF Biochemicals.

The company, which was founded by the Frenchman and his business partner Pasquale Granata, is the first organization to mass-produce levulinic acid, a biofriendly substitute that can be used in many major industries. Forbes estimated the company to be worth around $33 billion.

Flamini also partnered with former Real Madrid and Arsenal player Mesut Ozil to launch Unity, a natural-origin, face, body, hair and wellness brand.

2. David Beckham 

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, David Beckham is a household name in the football world. The legendary midfielder played for several top clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Since his playing days, Beckham has been more than just an athlete as he has been an ambassador for several top brands. He has made millions doing endorsements and was able to successfully start DB Ventures Limited which he owns together with his wife. The company involves licensing and commercialization of the David Beckham brand.

Beckham is also the co-owner of Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and played a significant role in Lionel Messi joining the club last summer. The former Manchester United star has also invested in English League Two club Salford City.

David Beckham. Photo/ PinkNews.

3. Andrea Pirlo 

Next on our list of famous footballers who are successful businessmen is Juventus legend Andrea Pirlo. Following his retirement from professional football, Pirlo transitioned to management and last managed his former club Juventus.

But beyond football, the Italian is a successful entrepreneur who has concerted his parents’ winery to a profit making enterprise that produces 15,000 to 20,000 bottles a year.

4. Oliver Kahn

Oliver Kahn was a formidable player during his days and has been described by many as one of the best goalkeepers of all time. Following his retirement, Kahn has still been involved with football, commentating on games for German broadcaster ZDF since 2008. Kahn is also the founder of Goalplay, a company which sells goalkeeper gloves and bags and also offers a special coaching app.

Oliver Kahn. Photo/ The Irish Sun.

5. Philipp Lahm 

One of the most successful German footballers, Philipp Lahm is best known for his time with Bayern Munich. According to sources, Lahm developed interest in business during his playing days. In 2017, he acquired the German sports lottery and Sixtus, a manufacturer for sports care, balm and hygiene products. Lahm also owns the food company Schneekoppe.

6. Andres Iniesta 

One of the finest midfielders to ever grace the football pitch, Andres Iniesta has a legacy that will never be forgotten. While he is still playing, Iniesta is best known for his time with FC Barcelona, during which he won a total of 21 trophies. And just like the other players on the list, Iniesta is one of the top footballers who are successful businessmen.

The World Cup winner is a shareholder in FirstVision, a company which he founded alongside Spanish NBA star Serge Ibaka. The company wants to take sports broadcasting to another level by placing cameras on players’ shirt.

Andres Iniesta. Photo/ Barca Blaugranes.

7. Gerard Pique 

There’s no way we would talk about footballers who are successful businessmen and not mention Gerard Pique. The former Barcelona man achieved success playing on the pitch and is equally successful off the pitch thanks to his various businesses.

Pique is the owner of Kosmos Global Holding, a company which has invested in different industries and organizations. On top of that, the former Barcelona man also owns FC Andorra, a club that competes in division three of the Spanish Football tier.