Most footballers play until they are in their early 30s, then retire in their mid to late 30s in Europe.
It should go without saying that their experience and skills can help them land jobs as a manager, football pundit, or columnist, among other things.
However, some footballers pave their own path and commit their time and money to become professional football club owners.
The top five footballers who are also proud club owners are profiled by UrbanNews Ghana.
1. David Beckham – Inter Miami
David Beckham is probably the most famous former footballer who owns a football club. In his days, Beckham was hailed as one of the greatest and most recognisable midfielders of his generation. He is the first English player to win league titles in four countries: England, Spain, the United States and France.
The English former professional footballer is the current president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF, an football club that plays in the highest league division in USA.
2. Ronaldo – Real Valladolid
The retired Brazilian footballer is widely considered as one of the greatest players of all time. This made him won three FIFA World Player of the Year three times and two Ballon d’Or awards.
Ronaldo became the majority owner of Real Valladolid in 2018 after buying 51% controlling stake of the club for €30 million.
3. Didier Drogba – Phoenix Rising FC
Drogba is best known for his career at Chelsea where he scored more goals than any other foreign player. He was named the 2006 and 2009 African Footballer of the Year.
He also played for Phoenix Rising FC in 2017 before buying a share at the club.
4. Cesar Azpilicueta – Hashtag United
Azpilicueta captained Chelsea to win the Europa League in 2019, the Champions League in 2021 and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2021. He is currently the seventh on the of the players with the most appearances for Chelsea.
He is the among the co-owners of Hashtag United, a club located in the United States.
5. Pique – Andorra
The Barcelona star is considered one of the best defenders of his generation. He is one of only four players to have won the UEFA Champions League two years in a row with different teams.
Andorra which currently competes in Segunda División, the second tier of the Spanish league system was bought by Gerard Piqué’s Kosmos Holding Group in 2018.
