The former Manchester United star is just one player who has gone to make an enormous amount of money
Louis Saha talks on stage
Louis Saha is the founder & CEO of AxisStars(Image: Getty Images)
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Many professional footballers are set for life once they retire, thanks to the staggering sums they earn in the modern game. However, there are a select few who have even transcended that and achieved a wealth most of us could only ever dream of.
In fact, two former Manchester United stars have gone on to climb the ladder to eye-watering riches. They are joined by an ex-Arsenal midfielder and a legend of the English game.
Making up the list, remarkably, is a stunningly rich forward who is still playing. Here, the takes a closer look at five footballers who have amassed whopping bank balances.
Louis Saha
The ex-United hero now boasts a multi-billion net worth that is over seven times that of his former United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. The French striker, now 47, played at Old Trafford from 2004 to 2008.
He enjoyed a successful career at Old Trafford, winning two league titles, the Champions League and the League Cup under Sir Alex Ferguson. His company 'AxisStars' is now worth a spectacular £4.3billion. The staggering net worth of Saha's business places it over seven times Ronaldo's impressive £600m.
Louis Saha celebrates scoring for Manchester United
Louis Saha was an instant hit at Manchester United(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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The company, co-founded by Kate Hamer, is responsible for connecting "professional athletes and entertainers, their peers and trusted partners".
Speaking about his business, Saha has said: "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."
David Beckham
Throughout his career, Beckham raked in a fortune in wages, including the vast sums from his LA Galaxy contract, where he was said to have earned £188m as well has his numerous lucrative sponsorship deals. He continues to profit from numerous sponsorship deals, as well as his stake in Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami.
The former England captain bought into Miami in 2020 and has since gained global recognition through the signing of Lionel Messi, with the club estimated to be worth more than £1bn.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 21: David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami CF reacts prior to the MLS match between Los Angeles Football Club and Inter Miami CF at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
David Beckham during his time as co-owner of Inter Miami(Image: Shaun Clark, Getty Images)
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As far back as 2017, Beckham was judged to have earned a whopping £600m in his career. The bulk of his money today has been built off the pitch, having penned deals with major brands like Emporio Armani, Gillette, PepsiCo, H&M, Breitling and Adidas over the years, to name but a few. His overall net worth now is believed to be around £415m.
Mathieu Flamini
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Flamini established GF Biochemicals nine years before hanging up his boots. He later assumed the role of CEO and reportedly boasts a net worth of approximately £10bn.
GF Biochemicals strives to offer a greener alternative to petrochemicals, enabling product manufacturing while protecting the environment. Flamini has previously outlined his plans for a business after football, saying: "As a child I had two passions: football and sustainability."
Mathieu Flamini of Arsenal during the Emirates FA Cup 5th Round replay between Hull City and Arsenal at the KC Stadium on March 8, 2016 in Hull, England
Mathieu Flamini is now worth a staggering amount(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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The French midfielder featured 246 times across two stints with the Gunners, departing on a free transfer in 2017. The 42-year-old enjoyed two separate periods at Arsenal, initially from 2004 to 2008 before returning to the Emirates Stadium in 2013.
Martin Braithwaite
At just 34 years old, Danish star Braithwaite has made his fortune through real estate, a restaurant and a clothing line. Branthwaite has even featured on Forbes' list as one of the richest footballers today.
Now playing for Brazilian Serie A side Gremio, the former Barcelona and Espanyol forward invested around £617,000 in 2017 with his uncle and it has since ballooned to £7.2m.
Martin Braithwaite played more than 50 times for Barcelona
Martin Braithwaite played more than 50 times for Barcelona(Image: Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
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By the end of 2021, the enterprise had grown to 25 times the size, with Braithwaite and his uncle owning 1,500 apartments and having a further 500 under development. He is thought to be worth around £220m.
Speaking on his passion for property, he said: "It started with our family having been in the real estate business for a long time. Here, you will find that one of the ways you can build a fortune and secure your future financially is by investing in real estate."
Dave Whelan
Former Wigan Athletic owner Whelan was worth more than United icon Beckham at the height of his powers. The 89-year-old served as chairman and owner of the current League One club for 20 years, steered them through an eight-year stint in the Premier League, including an FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in 2013.
Whelan is no longer active in the sport, but he remains a significant figure in British sport for owning the clothing store JJB Sports.
Dave Whelan.
Dave Whelan is still worth millions despite leaving football behind years ago(Image: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
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After his playing career with Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra concluded, he made his fortune by establishing the chain, drawing on his market-trading background.
According to the Sunday Times Sport Rich List, Whelan's net worth was an impressive £190m, which was significantly more than Beckham's estimated £135m at the time. Whelan's fortune these days is now estimated at over £162m.