Meet the Footballers Who Were Already Millionaires Before Scoring Big

Faiq Bolkiah, the world's richest footballer, is worth an estimated $20 billion. He is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei and has played for Leicester City and Ratchaburi FC in Thailand.

Football's Hidden Heirs

While many footballers' earnings are life-changing, some players have already been born into wealth. Take Faiq Bolkiah, for instance, who joined Leicester City from Chelsea in 2016. Despite his affluent background, Bolkiah's football career hasn't lived up to expectations. He currently plays in Thailand for Ratchaburi FC and has suffered a severe leg injury in February 2024, from which he has yet to recover.

Privilege and Performance

Mario Götze's father, Jurgen Götze, is a respected professor who was part of Yale University's computer science department in the 1990s. Some suggest that Götze's advancement through Borussia Dortmund's youth system was influenced by his father's status. Regardless, the German playmaker's talent was undeniable. He famously scored the winning goal for Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina.

Family Ties and Football Fortune

Andrea Pirlo's affluent background likely contributed to the elegance he displayed on the pitch. His father founded a steel company in 1982, and Andrea has since acquired a stake in it. Pirlo's transition into management hasn't been as successful as his playing career, but he has plenty to fall back on, including a vineyard that produces between 15,000 to 20,000 bottles of wine annually.

Football's Upper Class

Hugo Lloris was born into a life of privilege. His mother, Marie, is a prominent attorney, and his father, Luc, an investment banker, provides Lloris with an upper-class upbringing that includes daily tennis lessons. Yet, despite his privileged background, Lloris' true passion was always football. He went on to become one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, famously leading France to World Cup glory in 2018.

From Pitch to Business

Gerard Piqué surprised fans by sharing a screenshot of a bank transfer showing a payment of over two million euros. Financial prosperity is nothing new for Piqué, whose father, Joan, is a lawyer and businessman, and whose mother, Montserrat, is the director of a Barcelona hospital. Since retiring, Piqué has expanded his business ventures, owning FC Andorra and Gimnastic Manresa, founding an eSports team, and creating the seven-a-side Kings League tournament.

Artistic Influences

Robin van Persie grew up in an artistic household. His mother was a painter, jewellery designer, and special needs teacher, while his father was a renowned sculptor. The artistic mindset and work ethic of his parents influenced van Persie's approach to football.

The Wealthy in Football

While many footballers struggle to make ends meet, a select few have been born into wealth. Their affluent backgrounds have likely contributed to their success on the pitch. However, their privileged upbringings have also given them the means to pursue other passions and business ventures outside of football. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these wealthy footballers use their influence and resources to shape the game's future.

Source: Yen ALL