Top 10 Footballers Investing Beyond the Pitch: Esports and Real Estate Take Center Stage

Footballers are increasingly diversifying their income streams, moving beyond club contracts and sponsorship deals to build substantial wealth through strategic investments. In 2024, many football stars are channeling their earnings into ventures spanning real estate, esports, technology, and other business sectors.

According to Maaal, some of the sport’s most prominent figures have committed significant portions of their profits to off-field enterprises. Cristiano Ronaldo, forward for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr Club, leads the charge with investments exceeding $1 billion.

The Portuguese superstar has built a robust portfolio that includes a chain of luxury hotels under the Pestana CR7 brand, boasting more than 10 properties across Portugal and Spain. Ronaldo also holds stakes in high-end real estate in Dubai, Spain, and England. Beyond property, his investments extend to partnerships with technology firms and global brands such as Nike, Herbalife, and fitness tech company Whoop, reinforcing his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur.

Second on the list is Lionel Messi of Inter Miami, whose investments are valued between $500 million and $1 billion. The Argentine icon owns luxury properties in Miami and Paris and has diversified into technology by investing in Genius Sports and other start-ups. His ventures also include an educational academy in Latin America.

Former England footballer David Beckham follows closely, with investments exceeding $500 million. Beckham holds a significant stake in the Inter Miami club and has invested in real estate projects in Dubai and the United States. His partnerships extend to clothing brands such as Adidas and H&M and health product companies. Additionally, Beckham has expanded into media production through his company, DB Ventures.

Retired football star Gerard Piqué ranks fourth, with investments estimated between $300 million and $500 million. Piqué’s portfolio includes real estate projects in Spain and esports ventures through his company, Kosmos Holding. In fifth place is Brazilian player Neymar of Al-Hilal, whose investments are valued at approximately $250 million. Neymar channels his wealth into esports teams, such as ESL, and owns properties in Dubai and Brazil. Additionally, he has investments in sportswear companies, including Puma.

French forward Kylian Mbappé takes sixth place, with investments ranging from $150 million to $200 million. Mbappé’s business interests span esports, multiple real estate projects in Paris, partnerships with global brands like Nike, and other commercial ventures. Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah of Liverpool is seventh, with an investment portfolio valued between $100 million and $150 million. Salah owns properties in Egypt and England, invests in education and social initiatives, and maintains several high-profile partnerships with companies like Adidas and Vodafone.

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski ranks eighth, with investments estimated between $100 million and $150 million. Lewandowski’s portfolio includes stakes in sportswear manufacturing and gaming companies and properties in Poland and Spain. In ninth place is French forward Antoine Griezmann, whose investments also range from $100 million to $150 million. Griezmann’s business interests encompass esports, real estate, and sports partnerships. Tenth on the list is Brazilian player Vinícius Júnior, with investments valued between $50 million and $100 million. His portfolio features luxury properties in Spain and Brazil, alongside investments in esports teams.