Louis Saha looks on during the Women's group B match between Australia and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 28, 2024
Former Newcastle and Manchester United forward Louis Saha
Former Newcastle United forward Louis Saha has amassed a staggering net worth that eclipses that of former Magpies owner Mike Ashley - and dwarfs ex-Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo
Saha, who scored twice for the Magpies in a loan spell in 1999, went on to have a successful career with Manchester United among others. The 46 year old Frenchman clinched two Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and a League Cup victory under Sir Alex Ferguson, netting 42 goals across 124 appearances for the Red Devils.
Since hanging up his boots in 2013 following spells with Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland, and Lazio, the former France international has made a name for himself in the business world. His venture 'AxisStars' has soared to an astonishing valuation of £4.3billion.
This eye-watering figure puts Saha's enterprise at over seven times the size of Ronaldo's already impressive £600m net worth. Former United owner Mike Ashley is estimated to be worth around £3.8bn. Co-founded with Kate Hamer, AxisStars is dedicated to fostering connections between "professional athletes and entertainers, their peers and trusted partners".
Visitors to their website are greeted with an image of Saha alongside Hamer, and a company description that highlights: "Since hanging up his boots, Louis has moved into the world of business where he has used his experience to develop propositions to support athletes and other people in the public eye, in their careers" reports the Manchester Evening News.
Hamer, a former marketer, and technological executive Patrice Arnera joined forces with Saha to establish the business. It's reported that over 550 ex-athletes are linked with the firm. Saha told The Guardian that he often receives requests for advice and candidly admitted that founding AxisStars has outshone his football career.
"I still get asked for advice by different people on a daily basis," he said. "For instance, my agent called me to say he had a talented French footballer who he wants to bring to England, and asked me for advice on how to create a tailor-made training programme. I put him in touch with people I used to work with.
"This kind of player could join Axis as he can then search for a personal coach in his region. It is a hard process but it's so rewarding, because if I can help 100,000 people, it's the best thing I've ever done."
Ronaldo became the first active footballer to earn over $1billion (£775m). Besides his lucrative Al-Nassr contract which netted him £220m ($285m) last year, the Portuguese superstar has several income sources, including sponsorship deals with Nike, Whoop, and Binance. The 40 year old also rakes in a significant amount through his CR7 brand, which encompasses hotels, fragrances and underwear. He recently set the YouTube world buzzing with the launch of his 'UR Cristiano' channel, which now boasts over 74m subscribers.