Footballers may earn massive salaries during their careers, but some stars take their success to an entirely new level after retirement. While many athletes struggle financially once the spotlight fades, these football legends turned their fame, discipline, and influence into booming businesses and multi-million–even billion-dollar empires.
From real estate to racing, pharmaceuticals to club ownership, these former players prove that life after football can be even more profitable than their time on the pitch. Here’s a look at the top 10 most popular footballers who didn’t just stay relevant after retirement. They became even richer.
Top 10 Most Popular Footballers Who Make More Money After Retirement
Let’s get into the rundown of 10 most popular footballers who make more money after retirement. Each of these retired footballers followed a different path, yet all managed to turn their post-career ambitions into major financial wins.
Below, we break down their journeys, highlighting their new ventures, growing net worth, and the unique ways they built success far beyond football.
10 – Dexter Blackstock
The Englishman has not found much success in his international career. However, after taking retirement from football, he has received much success in his new business. Dexter is working as an investor and gives money to small businesses to promote the. He is currently running a big network of properties. Now, he is starting his new business in Pharmaceuticals. His current net worth is $10 million.
9 – Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm, a retired professional football player, is also a successful athlete in the Olympics as she won 2 Gold medals. The American is also present on the list as she has started struggling to become a member of the AS Roma board of directors. Moreover, she has also become the co-owner of the Los Angeles Football Club. The current net worth of the former FIFA Women’s World Cup champion has reached the mark of $12 million.
8 – Asamoah Gyan
The African striker remained part of various top-tier clubs. He played for the Ghana national football team and closed his career from professional football in 2021. Gyan started a vast campaign of business in real estate, petroleum, boxing promotions and food. His net worth has crossed $23 million and is still increasing.
7 – Robbie Fowler
Fowler is following in the footsteps of Owen and has invested in the Horse industry. Thus, he is generating some good revenue. Moreover, he is still connected with Football as he is working as a coach. The former English player has a current net worth of $50 million. He is hopeful of expanding his business to come to the top of the list.
6 – Michael Owen
The former English professional footballer has played for various clubs in the Premier League. Moreover, he was also a permanent part of England’s national football team during his career. After completing his career, he became a racehorse breeder and owner. Besides these, he is also working as a sports pundit and often appears in analytical shows. His current net worth has crossed $68 million.
5 – Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho is one of the biggest names in football ever produced in the world. The Brazilian has no match as he has the ability to play both as an attacking midfielder and winger. Ronaldinho is running his business and is currently one of the highest-earning athletes even after retirement. The net worth of the former footballer is $90 million.
4 – Luis Ronaldo
The Brazilian business owner, president of La Liga club Real Valladolid, owner of Brasileiro Série B club Cruzeiro, and a retired professional footballer who played as a striker. He is currently having a net worth of $160 million and is continuously expanding the business.
3 – David Beckham
Although Beckham got so much popularity from his football career. However, business is the one that earned him big money. He is the current president of Inter-Miami CF and also holds the 50% ownership rights of Salford City. The current net worth of the former English midfielder is $450 million. Beckham is best famous for his long range of passing.
2 – Louis Saha
Saha is one of the most valuable forward in Manchester United’s history, as he has played magnificently well throughout his career. After closing his career, he became a businessman and is now looking forward to expanding it. With a net worth of $4.9 billion, the former French footballer has kept his eyes on buying football clubs to make his way back to the football grounds.
1 – Mathieu Flamini
Mathieu Flamini, a former professional footballer from France, has played as a mid-fielder for the French national football team. Moreover, he also played for the top tier clubs in the best European leagues. Flamini is currently an entrepreneur and is running his business more successfully then ever and anyone. The current net worth of the mid-fielder is $35 billion and there is no stop for it.
Let’s Rewind
These football icons prove that retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down. In fact, for many of them, it marked the beginning of an even bigger chapter. Whether investing in innovative industries, owning sports teams, running global brands, or launching bold business ventures, each player on this list shows how powerful a smart post-career strategy can be.
Their stories remind us that success isn’t limited to what happens on the pitch. It’s about vision, timing, and the courage to reinvent yourself. And for these former stars, the final whistle only signaled the start of a new, wealthier game.
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