NewStats: 3,261,180 , 8,173,313 topics. Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at 01:18 PM 106v3

The glamorous world of professional football often paints a picture of immense wealth and luxury.

However, the reality for many players is a stark contrast, with financial mismanagement, extravagant lifestyles, and unforeseen circumstances leading to devastating financial ruin.

This thread explores the unfortunate cases of several high-profile footballers who, despite earning millions, found themselves facing bankruptcy and financial hardship.

Ronaldinho Gaúcho: The Brazilian magician, once a global icon, was shockingly found to have only €5 in his bank in 2020. He was even arrested and detained for entering Paraguay with a fake port. This incident highlighted a pattern of financial mismanagement and alleged fraud.

Taribo West: The flamboyant Nigerian defender, known for his eccentric hairstyles, amassed considerable wealth during his career with top European clubs. However, he reportedly lost millions through ill-advised investments and extravagant spending. He has since embraced a new life as a pastor.

Celestine Babayaro: The former Chelsea and Newcastle left-back faced severe financial difficulties in 2011, with creditors relentlessly pursuing him for unpaid debts. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the precarious financial situations many footballers face after retirement.

Eric Djemba Djemba: The former Manchester United midfielder declared bankruptcy in 2007. Despite earning significant sums, he struggled to manage his finances, with numerous loans and extravagant spending draining his resources.

John Arne Riise: The Norwegian full-back, known for his powerful left foot, also faced bankruptcy in 2007 due to failed business ventures, including a hotel. This highlights the risks associated with diversifying investments outside of football.

Diego Maradona: The legendary Argentine, arguably one of the greatest footballers of all time, faced bankruptcy in 2009 due to significant unpaid taxes from his time at Napoli. This case underscores the importance of sound financial planning and tax management.

David James: The former England goalkeeper experienced a dramatic fall from grace, losing much of his fortune after a divorce. He was forced to auction off personal belongings to make ends meet, a humbling experience for a player who once enjoyed a life of luxury.

Royston Drenthe: The former Real Madrid winger filed for bankruptcy in 2022, revealing staggering losses of over £3.2 million. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of impulsive spending and poor financial decisions.

Asamoah Gyan: The Ghanaian striker, once one of Africa's highest-paid footballers, declared he had only £600 in his bank during a divorce proceeding. He also faced challenges due to assets being held in his brother's name, complicating the financial settlement.

Emmanuel Eboue: The former Arsenal and Galatasaray defender suffered a tragic fall from grace. He lost all his assets to his wife after a divorce, as he unknowingly signed documents that transferred ownership to her. This heartbreaking case highlights the importance of legal and financial counsel when navigating personal and marital matters.

Lessons to be Learned:

These cases underscore the importance of:

Financial education and literacy: Players need access to quality financial advice and education to make informed decisions about their earnings.

Sound financial planning and management: Diversification of investments, prudent spending habits, and tax planning are crucial for long-term financial security.

Professional financial guidance: Engaging with qualified financial advisors can help players navigate complex financial situations and make informed investment decisions.

Protecting assets and income: Players should ensure their assets are properly protected and that they have adequate insurance coverage.

While these cases highlight the unfortunate realities faced by some footballers, they also serve as valuable lessons for aspiring and current players.

By prioritizing financial education and making informed decisions, players can safeguard their future and avoid the pitfalls that have led to financial ruin for others.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.

Na only Eboue own pained me, as e go sign Documents to bequeath his sweat asset to a 🐈.. na why I no dey discuss, sign or promise when I no NORMAL, either na jogo, jogodo or asleep or during kplẹkplẹ kplẹ (gbenshing).
As a married man I don't encourage my wife for Midnight settlement any thing u wan apologosie or discuss make e be DAY LIGHT, MIDNIGHT as always bn Evil from Bible days: “While men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat” Matt: 13 vs 24
So if I no fit use midnight sow tares in her punana wheat, make all matter turn DAY LIGHT

The current football players should learn. The fall of a great man is always deep!

Are you indirectly talking to Victor Osimhen or Victor Boniface?
Financial misfortune or reckless isn't limited to sports men only.
Me self I once guide now I dey struggle hoping to guide again...

Most of these listed players have already disputed this claims that they slipped into poverty..

Hmmm

Most of them mentioned here later recovered

Ebue story is an embodiment of foolishness and mumuness.. Pathetic idiot bastard

Yourubas say: owo t'omode.. ba koko.. ri.. akara.. lo.. fi n je

Translated: the first money made by a child is used to eat akara.

Divorce sha

Hakimi how you dey?

This is so sad. Wilson Oruma loss which was not mentioned was the one that pain me . One Nigerian Pastor sweet talked and brainwashed him to involve in one investment and that was it for him.

Hakimi must have researched all this before getting married for him to wisely do the needful. But why religious people that call themselves relationship experts are the ones disagreeing to Hakimi’s actions is still what I don’t understand

Nothing investment and savings.

Sound financial management is important but people easily forget the place of God in things like this.

First, you can't even get the wealth in the first place if God did not okay it. Forget all these people claiming atheist, those of them that became rich, na God still run am (Matt.5.45 - that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
).

No matter how smart or gifted you are, a time will come when your gift or smartness won't be enough to sustain your wealth, that's the time you will realise that all blessings come from God, not effort.

My point is, learn to recognise God in your blessings and be thankful to Him. Trust him to keep it for you and bring in more.

In all, repent and fear God:

Eccl.12.13 - Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all.

These are not factual. They are social media tales by moon light.

Very, very easy for this to happen.
It's almost always a curse to come into excess money while too young and inexperienced. It can destroy your life

Akinpedia:
The glamorous world of professional football often paints a picture of immense wealth and luxury.

However, the reality for many players is a stark contrast, with financial mismanagement, extravagant lifestyles, and unforeseen circumstances leading to devastating financial ruin.

This thread explores the unfortunate cases of several high-profile footballers who, despite earning millions, found themselves facing bankruptcy and financial hardship.

Ronaldinho Gaúcho: The Brazilian magician, once a global icon, was shockingly found to have only €5 in his bank in 2020. He was even arrested and detained for entering Paraguay with a fake port. This incident highlighted a pattern of financial mismanagement and alleged fraud.

Taribo West: The flamboyant Nigerian defender, known for his eccentric hairstyles, amassed considerable wealth during his career with top European clubs. However, he reportedly lost millions through ill-advised investments and extravagant spending. He has since embraced a new life as a pastor.

Celestine Babayaro: The former Chelsea and Newcastle left-back faced severe financial difficulties in 2011, with creditors relentlessly pursuing him for unpaid debts. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the precarious financial situations many footballers face after retirement.

Eric Djemba Djemba: The former Manchester United midfielder declared bankruptcy in 2007. Despite earning significant sums, he struggled to manage his finances, with numerous loans and extravagant spending draining his resources.

John Arne Riise: The Norwegian full-back, known for his powerful left foot, also faced bankruptcy in 2007 due to failed business ventures, including a hotel. This highlights the risks associated with diversifying investments outside of football.

Diego Maradona: The legendary Argentine, arguably one of the greatest footballers of all time, faced bankruptcy in 2009 due to significant unpaid taxes from his time at Napoli. This case underscores the importance of sound financial planning and tax management.

David James: The former England goalkeeper experienced a dramatic fall from grace, losing much of his fortune after a divorce. He was forced to auction off personal belongings to make ends meet, a humbling experience for a player who once enjoyed a life of luxury.

Royston Drenthe: The former Real Madrid winger filed for bankruptcy in 2022, revealing staggering losses of over £3.2 million. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of impulsive spending and poor financial decisions.

Asamoah Gyan: The Ghanaian striker, once one of Africa's highest-paid footballers, declared he had only £600 in his bank during a divorce proceeding. He also faced challenges due to assets being held in his brother's name, complicating the financial settlement.

Emmanuel Eboue: The former Arsenal and Galatasaray defender suffered a tragic fall from grace. He lost all his assets to his wife after a divorce, as he unknowingly signed documents that transferred ownership to her. This heartbreaking case highlights the importance of legal and financial counsel when navigating personal and marital matters.

Lessons to be Learned:

These cases underscore the importance of:

Financial education and literacy: Players need access to quality financial advice and education to make informed decisions about their earnings.

Sound financial planning and management: Diversification of investments, prudent spending habits, and tax planning are crucial for long-term financial security.

Professional financial guidance: Engaging with qualified financial advisors can help players navigate complex financial situations and make informed investment decisions.

Protecting assets and income: Players should ensure their assets are properly protected and that they have adequate insurance coverage.

While these cases highlight the unfortunate realities faced by some footballers, they also serve as valuable lessons for aspiring and current players.

By prioritizing financial education and making informed decisions, players can safeguard their future and avoid the pitfalls that have led to financial ruin for others.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.

Treasure17:
Nothing investment and savings.

Read well, many of them went down due to investment that turned out sour. This can happen to anybody.

puremaker7:
Most of these listed players have already disputed this claims that they slipped into poverty..

Don't mind all these peddlera of lies.

Na the ones wey go bankrupt after divorce nai pain . This is why Hakimi will always remain a legend.


Woman wey nor know when you start to play ball go follow you share money after divorce......Chai, Uwa di egwu!

this is an ill researched article... most people there still have networth worth more than 50million pounds

Akinpedia:
The glamorous world of professional football often paints a picture of immense wealth and luxury.

However, the reality for many players is a stark contrast, with financial mismanagement, extravagant lifestyles, and unforeseen circumstances leading to devastating financial ruin.

This thread explores the unfortunate cases of several high-profile footballers who, despite earning millions, found themselves facing bankruptcy and financial hardship.

Ronaldinho Gaúcho: The Brazilian magician, once a global icon, was shockingly found to have only €5 in his bank in 2020. He was even arrested and detained for entering Paraguay with a fake port. This incident highlighted a pattern of financial mismanagement and alleged fraud.

Taribo West: The flamboyant Nigerian defender, known for his eccentric hairstyles, amassed considerable wealth during his career with top European clubs. However, he reportedly lost millions through ill-advised investments and extravagant spending. He has since embraced a new life as a pastor.

Celestine Babayaro: The former Chelsea and Newcastle left-back faced severe financial difficulties in 2011, with creditors relentlessly pursuing him for unpaid debts. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the precarious financial situations many footballers face after retirement.

Eric Djemba Djemba: The former Manchester United midfielder declared bankruptcy in 2007. Despite earning significant sums, he struggled to manage his finances, with numerous loans and extravagant spending draining his resources.

John Arne Riise: The Norwegian full-back, known for his powerful left foot, also faced bankruptcy in 2007 due to failed business ventures, including a hotel. This highlights the risks associated with diversifying investments outside of football.

Diego Maradona: The legendary Argentine, arguably one of the greatest footballers of all time, faced bankruptcy in 2009 due to significant unpaid taxes from his time at Napoli. This case underscores the importance of sound financial planning and tax management.

David James: The former England goalkeeper experienced a dramatic fall from grace, losing much of his fortune after a divorce. He was forced to auction off personal belongings to make ends meet, a humbling experience for a player who once enjoyed a life of luxury.

Royston Drenthe: The former Real Madrid winger filed for bankruptcy in 2022, revealing staggering losses of over £3.2 million. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of impulsive spending and poor financial decisions.

Asamoah Gyan: The Ghanaian striker, once one of Africa's highest-paid footballers, declared he had only £600 in his bank during a divorce proceeding. He also faced challenges due to assets being held in his brother's name, complicating the financial settlement.

Emmanuel Eboue: The former Arsenal and Galatasaray defender suffered a tragic fall from grace. He lost all his assets to his wife after a divorce, as he unknowingly signed documents that transferred ownership to her. This heartbreaking case highlights the importance of legal and financial counsel when navigating personal and marital matters.

Lessons to be Learned:

These cases underscore the importance of:

Financial education and literacy: Players need access to quality financial advice and education to make informed decisions about their earnings.

Sound financial planning and management: Diversification of investments, prudent spending habits, and tax planning are crucial for long-term financial security.

Professional financial guidance: Engaging with qualified financial advisors can help players navigate complex financial situations and make informed investment decisions.

Protecting assets and income: Players should ensure their assets are properly protected and that they have adequate insurance coverage.

While these cases highlight the unfortunate realities faced by some footballers, they also serve as valuable lessons for aspiring and current players.

By prioritizing financial education and making informed decisions, players can safeguard their future and avoid the pitfalls that have led to financial ruin for others.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.

Na wa ooo, practically all of them have black blood...our young men need to take it easy when they get sudden success and learn to plan properly.

For example, I rarely hear a Saka or Iwobi making noise and unnecessarily flaunting their wealth despite their very very early success.

Ronaldinho his own too much........ Another Brazilian to follow na neyarm

Softmirror:
These are not factual. They are social media tales by moon light.

This is the only time you’ve made sense.

So where do u see ur own €5 ooooo

Celestines case was caused by his numerous liassons with plenty British broads.

them no they use yahoo money guide u have to invest and earn a living

phransix2:
Are you indirectly talking to Victor Osimhen or Victor Boniface?
Financial misfortune or reckless isn't limited to sports men only.
Me self I once guide now I dey struggle hoping to guide again...

puremaker7:
Most of these listed players have already disputed this claims that they slipped into poverty..

Well, "poverty" is relative. Poverty for them doesn't mean they can't eat, pay rent, and send kids to school!
If you used to have billions but now get by like the average person, you are in deep poverty