Football, a sport loved by millions, can bring immense wealth and fame to its players. However, the glamour of football can be short-lived, and many players have faced financial difficulties after their playing careers. This blog will explore the top 10 football players who went bankrupt, highlighting their stories, the reasons behind their financial struggles, and the lessons we can learn from their experiences.
Top 10 Football Players Who Got Bankrupt:
1. Diego Maradona:
The legendary Argentine player, Diego Maradona, is a prime example of a footballer who struggled with financial issues. Despite earning millions during his playing career, Maradona’s lavish lifestyle, tax evasion, and poor investments led to his bankruptcy. His financial troubles began in the 1990s, with unpaid taxes and debts amounting to millions. In 2013, Maradona was ordered to pay $50,000 in back taxes, and in 2015, he was sued by an Argentine bank for unpaid debts. Maradona’s financial struggles continued until his passing in 2020, leaving behind a net worth of -$2 million.
Net Worth After Bankruptcy: -$2 Million
2. George Best:
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The late Northern Irish player, George Best, was a football icon of the 1960s and 1970s. However, his off-field struggles with alcoholism and gambling led to financial troubles. Best earned millions during his playing career, but his lavish spending and poor investments left him with a mere $1,000 at the time of his passing in 2005. Best’s financial struggles were compounded by his divorce and child support payments, which further depleted his finances.
Net Worth After Bankruptcy: $1,000 (at the time of death)
3. Paul Merson:
The former England and Arsenal player, Paul Merson, faced financial difficulties due to his gambling addiction and poor investments. Merson earned millions during his playing career, but his addiction led him to spend excessively, and he was declared bankrupt in 2013. At the time of his bankruptcy, Merson had debts amounting to £1.4 million, and he was left with only £10,000. Merson has since spoken publicly about his financial struggles and has worked to rebuild his life.
Net Worth After Bankruptcy: £10,000
4. John Barnes:
The ex-Liverpool and England player, John Barnes, filed for bankruptcy in 2014 due to unpaid taxes and debts. Barnes earned millions during his playing career, but his poor investments and lavish spending led to financial difficulties. At the time of his bankruptcy, Barnes had debts amounting to £1.2 million, and he was left with only £500,000. Barnes has since spoken about the importance of financial planning and responsible spending.
Net Worth After Bankruptcy: £500,000
5. Lee Hendrie:
The former Aston Villa and England player, Lee Hendrie, was declared bankrupt in 2012 due to unpaid debts and taxes. Hendrie earned millions during his playing career, but his poor investments and lavish spending led to financial difficulties. At the time of his bankruptcy, Hendrie had debts amounting to £1.1 million, and he was left with only £20,000. Hendrie has since spoken about the importance of financial planning and responsible spending.
Net Worth After Bankruptcy: £20,000
6. Keith Gillespie:
The ex-Newcastle United and Northern Ireland player, Keith Gillespie, faced financial difficulties due to his gambling addiction and poor investments. Gillespie earned millions during his playing career, but his addiction led him to spend excessively, and he was declared bankrupt in 2010. At the time of his bankruptcy, Gillespie had debts amounting to £150,000, and he was left with only £500. Gillespie has since spoken publicly about his financial struggles and has worked to rebuild his life.
Net Worth After Bankruptcy: £500
7. Faustino Asprilla:
The former Newcastle United and Colombia player, Faustino Asprilla, filed for bankruptcy in 2007 due to unpaid debts and taxes. Asprilla earned millions during his playing career, but his poor investments and lavish spending led to financial difficulties. At the time of his bankruptcy, Asprilla had debts amounting to $2.5 million, and he was left with only $1.5 million. Asprilla has since spoken about the importance of financial planning and responsible spending.
Net Worth After Bankruptcy: $1.5 Million
8. Garry Flitcroft:
The ex-Blackburn Rovers and England player, Garry Flitcroft, was declared bankrupt in 2013 due to unpaid debts and taxes. Flitcroft earned millions during his playing career, but his poor investments and lavish spending led to financial difficulties. At the time of his bankruptcy, Flitcroft had debts amounting to £1.1 million, and he was left with only £20,000. Flitcroft has since spoken about the importance of financial planning and responsible spending.
Net Worth After Bankruptcy: £20,000
9. David James:
The former Liverpool and England goalkeeper, David James, filed for bankruptcy in 2014 due to unpaid debts and taxes. James earned millions during his playing career, but his poor investments and lavish spending led to financial difficulties. At the time of his bankruptcy, James had debts amounting to £2.2 million, and he was left with only £50,000. James has since spoken about the importance of financial planning and responsible spending.
Net Worth After Bankruptcy: £50,000
10. Chris Sutton
The ex-Blackburn Rovers and England player, Chris Sutton, faced financial difficulties due to his poor investments and unpaid taxes. Sutton earned millions during his playing career, but his lavish spending and poor investments led to financial struggles. In 2015, Sutton was declared bankrupt, leaving him with only £100,000. Sutton has since spoken about the importance of financial planning and responsible spending.
Net Worth After Bankruptcy: £100,000
Summary:
Here are the Top 10 Football Players Who Got Bankrupt:
- Diego Maradona
- George Best
- Paul Merson
- John Barnes
- Lee Hendrie
- Keith Gillespie
- Faustino Asprilla
- Garry Flitcroft
- David James
- Chris Sutton