The best football players frequently leave a lasting impression on the game, leaving behind legacies that go beyond their playing careers. Some have built prosperous post-playing lives by utilizing their notoriety, talent, and entrepreneurial zeal, accumulating remarkable money and accomplishments. The best 11 retired football players of 2024 are listed below, highlighting their incredible life stories, commercial accomplishments, and charitable work. These football legends have demonstrated that their success goes well beyond their playing days with hefty sponsorship deals and flourishing businesses.
11. Italian Gianfranco Zola
Zola has ignited a prosperous managerial career since his retired. From 2006 to 2008, he coached the Italian under-21 squad. After taking over as manager of West Ham United in 2008, he was fired at the conclusion of the 2009–2010 campaign. After that, Zola agreed to a two-year deal with Watford.
10. Germany’s Gerd Muller
The most well-known German striker was Muller. He struggled with alcohol after retirement, but he entered a treatment program and recovered. He has long been Bayern Munich’s coach since that period. Additionally, Muller is the creator of an Adidas clothing line. Apart from that, he is one of the all-time top Bundesliga goal scorers.
9. Brazil’s Pelé
Football enthusiasts sometimes refer to Pelé, a former Brazilian soccer player, as one of the greatest football players of all time. The 72-year-old former Brazilian celebrity is well-known for his work as an ambassador. Pelé has served as the UN ambassador for ecology and the environment as well as the goodwill ambassador for UNESCO. He has written a number of memoirs and appeared in documentaries. In 2010, he was also named the New York Cosmos’ Honorary President. On December 29, 2022, this football icon passed away.
8. Brazil’s Ronaldo
After a few setbacks, the former Brazilian striker has calmed down. He owns 82% of La Liga team Real Valladolid and is a co-owner of a Brazilian Serie A squad. Ronaldo was also anticipated to be elected Brazilian Football Confederation President in 2014. In addition to running a number of profitable businesses both inside and outside the football circuit, he occasionally serves as a commentator for well-known games in his native country.
7. The Englishman Gary Neville
Neville started a coaching career after retiring. In 2012, he joined the coaching staff of the England squad and earned a UEFA coaching license. Neville’s exceptional achievements to football earned him an honorary degree from the University of Bolton. He writes editorials and serves as an analyst for several TV stations, and he is regularly featured in the media. Neville is currently ranked sixth on our list of the most accomplished soccer players who have retired.
6. France’s Zinedine Zidane
Zidane, a former French soccer player and one of the greatest Muslim sportsmen in history, is still known as the best playmaker. His famed headbutt on Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final made him much more well-known than his skill set. Zidane has played regularly for Real Madrid Veterans since retiring. Under former manager Jose Mourinho, he also joined Real Madrid’s coaching staff, where he most recently held the position of head manager. In addition to all of that, he has millions of dollars in endorsements.
5. England’s Sir Bobby Charlton
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)
Even though his football career is gone, the Portugal international player, who played for many major teams like Real Madrid and Internazionale, is still very successful. In the 2005–2006 A1 Grand Prix, he shared a seat with Team Portugal. He represents Internazionale and the “Stop TB Partnership” group as an ambassador. In addition, he founded a Portuguese bar and Network 90.
3. Frenchman Eric Cantona
The former French striker got active with the media after retiring. He appeared in a number of films and television ads. Additionally, Cantona was chosen to lead the French beach football team as captain. He also played a brief part on the French rock group Dionysos’ CD. When Cantona was named director of soccer for the New York Cosmos in 2011, he made a comeback to the football world. In addition, he supported two football computer games and participated in a variety of political endeavors.
2. England’s David Beckham
David Beckham, a retired English football player and one of the most attractive players of all time, has had an exceptionally bright and prosperous career on and off the pitch.
During his career, he was incredibly popular, and his popularity may have increased since then. Beckham has had it all, from becoming a fashion superstar to receiving millions of euros in endorsements. He is one of the most successful retired football players ever because of his significant philanthropic efforts, TV appearances, and position as the global ambassador for Chinese football. Great players like Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets are currently playing for Inter Miami, which he still co-owns in the Major League Soccer league as of 2024.
1. Frenchman Mathieu Flamini
In 2019, Mathieu Flamini announced his retirement from professional football after nearly 17 years of play. Although he has played for five different teams, the former midfielder is most remembered for his two stints in north London with Arsenal, where he made 246 appearances overall. He started his playing career at the French club Marseille.
Even though Flamini had a successful career, he has undoubtedly made the most of his time off from football after retiring. Now a billionaire, the former France international is enjoying life in the business world and has even partnered with a former Arsenal teammate.
