Football’s finest often leave an indelible mark on the sport, their legacies transcending their playing careers. Some have leveraged their fame, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit to build successful post-playing careers, amassing impressive wealth and achievements. Here, we count down the top 11 most successful retired football players in 2024, showcasing their remarkable journeys, business ventures, and philanthropic endeavors. From lucrative endorsements to thriving businesses, these football legends have proven that their success extends far beyond their playing days.
11. Gianfranco Zola (Italy)
Since his retirement, Zola has sparked a successful managerial career. He was the coach of the Italian under-21 team from 2006-2008. He became West Ham United’s manager in 2008 before being terminated at the end of the 2009-2010 season. Zola then signed a 2-year contract with Watford.
10. Gerd Muller (Germany)
Muller was the most celebrated German striker. After retirement, he had alcohol issues, but he went into a rehabilitation program and came out clean. Since then, he has been the coach of Bayern Munich for a long time. Muller also has a collection of apparel by Adidas under his belt. Besides, he also holds his place among the highest Bundesliga goalscorers of all time.
9. Pelé (Brazil)
Former Brazilian soccer player, Pelé, is often dubbed one of the greatest footballers of all time by football fans. The 72-year-old former Brazilian star is notable for his ambassadorial career. Pelé has been UNESCO’s goodwill ambassador and UN ambassador for ecology and the environment. He has several autobiographies and has participated in documentaries too. He was also named the Honorary President of the New York Cosmos in 2010. We lost this football legend recently on 29th December 2022.
8. Ronaldo (Brazil)
The former Brazilian striker has faced some issues but has since sobered up. He is the co-owner of a Brazilian Serie A team and holds an 82% stake in LaLiga club Real Valladolid. Ronaldo was also expected to become the President of the Brazilian Football Confederation in 2014. He has several successful business ventures both inside and outside the football circuit and sometimes appears as a commentator for famous matches in his home nation.
7. Gary Neville (England)
Since retirement, Neville has begun a coaching career. He held a UEFA coaching license and was appointed to the England team’s coaching staff in 2012. Neville was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Bolton for his outstanding contributions to football. He frequently appears in the media, writing columns and working as an analyst for various TV channels. Neville now holds the sixth place in our list of the most successful retired soccer players.
6. Zinedine Zidane (France)
A retired soccer player from France and one of the greatest Muslim athletes of all time, Zidane is still dubbed as the greatest playmaker. He was extremely popular for his skills and even more popular for his famous headbutt to Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final. Since retirement, Zidane has frequently been playing for Real Madrid Veterans. He also joined the coaching panel of Real Madrid under the reign of former boss Jose Mourinho and last served as the head manager. Apart from all that, he has endorsements worth millions of dollars.
5. Sir Bobby Charlton (England)
Perhaps the most celebrated midfielder in England, Manchester United, Sir Bobby Charlton, took the position at Preston North End club as the manager. He then became the director of Wigan Athletic and now serves as a member of the board of directors of Manchester United. Charlton was the inaugural inductee of the Hall of Fame of English football. He also won the BBC sports personality of the year lifetime achievement award in 2008. Furthermore, he has been involved in some reputable charitable activities and organizations, as well as a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy.
4. Luis Figo (Portugal)
The Portugal international star, who played for numerous big names, including Real Madrid and Internazionale, is quite successful even though his football career is now over. He was the joint seat holder for Team Portugal in A1 Grand Prix during 2005-2006. He is an ambassador for Internazionale and an organization called “Stop TB Partnership.” Furthermore, he is the founder of Network 90 and a bar in Portugal.
3. Eric Cantona (France)
After retirement, the former French striker became involved in the media. He performed in various movies and TV commercials. Cantona was also named the captain of the French national beach football team. He also performed a short role on an album by the French rock band Dionysos. In 2011, Cantona returned to the football world when he was appointed by the New York Cosmos as the director of soccer. He was also involved in a number of political activities and endorsed two football video games.
2. David Beckham (England)
A retired footballer from England and one of the most handsome footballers of all time, David Beckham, has had a remarkably promising and successful career both on and off the field.
He was immensely popular during his career and is perhaps even more popular now. From endorsements worth millions of euros to being a fashion icon, Beckham has had it all. His notable charitable work, appearances on TV, and role as the global ambassador for Chinese football have made him one of the most successful retired footballers ever. Even in 2024, he remains the co-owner of Inter Miami in the MLS, where great players like Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets are currently playing.
1. Mathieu Flamini
Mathieu Flamini retired from professional football back in 2019, with his career spanning almost 17 years. The former midfielder began his playing days at French club Marseille and, while he’s played for five total teams, is most known for playing for Arsenal, having two stints in north London – making 246 appearances in total.
Despite enjoying a solid career; however, since his retirement, Flamini has certainly made the most of his time away from football. The former France international is now enjoying life in the business industry – and is now a billionaire and has even teamed up with an ex-Arsenal team-mate.
