There is, and always has been, a common misconception. ‘Footballers are stupid’, well in some (okay most) cases yes. In others, as you’ll find out when you read on, there are a few who have smart heads on their shoulders and have become entrepreneurs, as well as footballers.
While it is sometimes hard for a footballer to start in business while they are still playing, there are a few exceptions and it’s a commendable move, considering most players spend on depreciating assets or blow most of their wage in casinos. Not mentioning any Waynes, sorry, names.
Most players dread retiring from the game they love and mainly the only thing they are known for, in most examples, 20 years and it is scary deciding what to do next. The obvious, cliche routes are coaching/management or television/radio punditry, however these options are only open to a select few.
Let’s have a look at those footballers who have succeeded beyond their playing days and those who are currently still playing who have already diversified.
Ryan Bertrand
Yes, you read that right! The Saints man is founder of the Fin-tech brokerage Silicon Markets which provides machine learning and algorithmic trading tools to traders in the Forex and CFD verticals.
Image Source: taddlr.com
Robbie Fowler
The ex-Liverpool legend has a property portfolio of 80 and now sells workshops and courses of how to succeed as a property developer. Also the founder of a sports promotions company, he has been listed in the Sunday Times' list of 1000 wealthiest Britons. Image Source: balls.ie
Andrei Arshavin
While many footballers have their own fashion lines as a result of being popular, the Russian is an exception. He has a degree in fashion and his own line designs women's clothes.
Image Source: dailymail.co.uk
Rio Ferdinand
The former Man Utd star owns an Italian restaurant, Rosso in Manchester, while he is also a co-founder of a record label, White Chalk Music, an online magazine and a clothing line. Image Source: provenquality.com
Theo Walcott
Very few people know that the Arsenal star also moonlights as a children's writer. Transworld Publishers have released a number of his books, with the main character called TJ. Image Source: ibtimes.co.uk
SEE ALSO: Theo Walcott: the legend Arsenal were robbed of
Certainly an interesting mix there. Most people suggested that Ferdinand might make a great defensive coach or scout when he retired, while Fowler would have been the last player people expected to make a success of himself in the business world.
So there you go, from the weird and wonderful to the completely unexpected. These five are examples to footballers out there that they can succeed when their careers end and even while they are still playing. Will we see Walcott pitched in the same light as JK Rowling in years to come? Is Bertrand the next Gordon Gekko? Watch this space and have a think, who the next big entrepreneur footballers might be.
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