When a professional footballer steps away from the game, many wonder how they’ll fill the void left by those roars in the stadium. Yet, retirement with time and millions on their side is a gateway to different pursuits for a select group of modern stars. These pursuits require equal parts resilience, daring, and a willingness to reinvent themselves. Here are five who exemplify those qualities, each forging a path that resonates far beyond the pitch.
1. Mesut Özil
Mesut Özil brought elegance to football in the Bundesliga, La Liga, and the Premier League. His on-field vision was matched by big-picture planning. This strategic thinking emerged before he retired in 2023. Since stepping away, Özil has become more involved in Turkey’s political sphere. He has also invested in various ventures—including his M10 streetwear line, coffee shops, and a strategic role with San Francisco-based VC Class 5 Global.
Estimated Net Worth: Around $100–120 million, reflecting his commanding contracts at Real Madrid and Arsenal. His robust endorsement deals and expanding entrepreneurial portfolio also contribute substantially.
He once said he was “excited to shape and work on [his] post-football career” while still active. That future-focused mindset continues to define his public persona, both in business and politics.
2. Mathieu Flamini
Mathieu Flamini retired in 2019 with less fanfare than his more flamboyant peers. Yet he quietly became one of the wealthiest figures in the game—if not the wealthiest. He co-founded GF Biochemicals, which produces sustainable levulinic acid. Flamini also launched other eco-conscious ventures, including Unity (co-created with Özil).
Estimated Net Worth: Reported figures range widely, but some outlets (sometimes referencing Forbes) claim his wealth could reach 12.2 billion. Flamini has been cautious about attaching specific numbers to his name. However, his passion for sustainability and biochemical startups has translated into extraordinary financial success.
3. Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué stunned fans in late 2022 by announcing his retirement from FC Barcelona mid-season. However, insiders knew he had been preparing for life beyond the pitch for years. Through Kosmos Holding—a sports and media investment firm—he revitalized tennis’s Davis Cup, took ownership of FC Andorra, and invested in esports.
Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $80–85 million. This wealth is fueled by years of top-tier FC Barcelona salaries, canny endorsements, and increasingly strategic investments in sports and entertainment. Always vocal and entrepreneurial, Piqué has shown how a defender’s discipline can translate into growing a multifaceted empire.
4. Sergio Agüero
Sergio “Kun” Agüero, forced to retire in December 2021 by a heart condition, wasted no time shifting gears. First, he founded KRÜ Esports, an organization competing in multiple gaming titles. More recently, he’s taken on a short-term venture in electric racing. “This is absolutely crazy: from footballer to racing driver in one of the fastest racing cars in the world,” he quipped about testing a Formula E car.
Estimated Net Worth: Typically reported between $70–80 million. This wealth is built on lucrative stints at Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, and Barcelona. Endorsements with Puma and Pepsi supplement his new pursuits in esports, content creation, and cross-sport collaborations. This ensures his post-football profile remains vibrant.
5. Gareth Bale
Long known for scorching runs and match-winning strikes, Gareth Bale also fostered an entrepreneurial streak. Post-retirement in early 2023, he’s embraced his passion for golf—organizing tournaments, playing in Pro-Am events, and founding Par 59 (a bar-restaurant-mini-golf concept in Cardiff and Bristol). Additionally, he’s invested in Welsh whiskey producer Penderyn Distillery, launching beers such as “Bale Ale” and “Bale Lager.”
Estimated Net Worth: Hovering around $140–145 million. This wealth was accrued from record-breaking wages at Real Madrid, major endorsements, and an expanding business portfolio. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have realized my dream of playing the sport I love,” Bale said upon retiring. These days, he channels that gratitude into leisure ventures and philanthropic efforts. This shows the same ambition that propelled him on the pitch.
