While many retired players find themselves analyzing today’s best soccer bets as commentators or pundits, a select group of former stars have taken a different path. These entrepreneurial athletes have transformed their post-playing careers into business empires that often generate far more wealth than they earned on the pitch.
While soccer’s elite players earn substantial salaries today, many stars from previous eras had to find new paths to financial success after hanging up their boots. Some former players have proven that their business acumen rivals their on-field talent, building impressive entrepreneurial ventures that outshine even their sporting achievements.
Let’s explore the remarkable business journeys of former soccer stars who turned their fame, connections, and work ethic into lucrative second careers.
Jota Peleteiro: From Midfielder to Agricultural Magnate
Spanish midfielder Jota Peleteiro enjoyed a solid career at clubs like Brentford and Aston Villa, with his most productive spell coming at Brentford, where he netted 23 goals in 69 appearances. After brief stints at Alaves and in Saudi Arabia, Jota made the surprising decision to retire relatively young.
What followed was even more unexpected. Rather than pursuing coaching or commentary like many ex-players, Jota became the driving force behind an agricultural company, Groinn, that has skyrocketed in value. The enterprise now boasts a valuation of £600 million and continues to expand across Europe, Asia, and North America—a remarkable achievement that dwarfs his earnings as a player.
Michael Owen: From Golden Boot to Racing Success
Few English strikers have matched Michael Owen’s impact. Bursting onto the scene with Liverpool, Owen captured the Premier League golden boot and played a crucial role in the club’s 2001 treble. His electrifying performances for England in the 1998 World Cup made him a global sensation before later spells at Real Madrid and Manchester United, where he finally claimed a Premier League title.
Post-retirement, Owen transformed his longtime passion for horse racing into a thriving business venture. As co-owner of Manor House Stables, Owen has built a racing operation that competes at the highest levels. His stable has produced champions at prestigious events, including Royal Ascot. At the same time, his horse, Brown Panther, secured a seven-figure purse at the Dubai Gold Cup—proving Owen’s eye for talent extends beyond the soccer pitch.
Mia Hamm: Pioneering Women’s Soccer and Business
Mia Hamm’s legendary status in women’s soccer is unquestioned. As one of the sport’s first global female icons, Hamm competed in four World Cups and set records for international goals while winning FIFA World Player of the Year honors in 2001 and 2002.
Her business portfolio after retirement has been equally impressive. Hamm serves as a global ambassador for FC Barcelona and sits on the board of directors at AS Roma, bringing her expertise to two of Europe’s most storied clubs. Additionally, she’s established herself as a sports business pioneer as co-owner of both Los Angeles FC and Angel City FC, helping shape the future of soccer ownership in America.
Louis Saha: From Striker to Tech Entrepreneur
Louis Saha made his mark in the Premier League with Fulham before catching the eye of Manchester United, where he won two league titles. The French striker later set a record for the fastest goal in an FA Cup final while playing for Everton.
Upon retirement in 2013, Saha displayed remarkable entrepreneurial vision by founding AxisStars, an innovative social media platform described as a combination of “Uber and Tinder” for athletes and brands. The app matches players with appropriate brand opportunities and has grown to support 550 ex-professionals. This tech venture has contributed significantly to Saha’s reported net worth of £4.3 billion, making him one of soccer’s most successful business minds.
Robbie Fowler: Liverpool Legend to Property Mogul
Affectionately known as “God” by Liverpool supporters, Robbie Fowler ranks ninth on the all-time Premier League scoring list with an impressive 183 goals for the Reds.
Long before retiring in 2012, Fowler displayed keen business instincts, owning racehorses with teammate Steve McManaman and establishing a sports promotion company in the 1990s. However, his most lucrative venture has been in real estate. Fowler’s property company now owns approximately 100 houses across northwest England, building a property empire that continues to grow.
The Future of Player Investments
These success stories highlight how elite athletes can leverage their earnings, connections, and work ethic to build lasting business legacies. While some players struggle financially after retirement, these entrepreneurs demonstrate the possibilities beyond the game.
These examples provide valuable blueprints for success for current players looking ahead to their future. Rather than focusing solely on immediate playing concerns, forward-thinking athletes are increasingly developing business skills during their careers.
As player salaries continue to rise, we’ll likely see even more impressive entrepreneurial ventures from tomorrow’s retired stars who have the capital and connections to make significant business impacts across various industries.
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