In sports, the line between athleticism and entrepreneurship is increasingly blurred, as evidenced by a growing number of soccer stars venturing into the investment realm. From Mario Götze‘s angel investments to Lionel Messi‘s venture into digital gaming platforms, these athletes make strategic moves off the field that redefine their careers post-retirement.

Mario Götze: The Angel Investor

Mario Götze, known for his historic goal in the 2014 World Cup, diversified his portfolio with 30 to 35 investments, primarily in startups at their inception.

His investments span various fields, including Web3, sustainability and digital platforms such as Freeverse.io and Knowunity.

Götze’s investment philosophy is driven by the founder of the company he is interested in. Balancing football, family and finance, he aims to grow his portfolio to over 100 companies, leveraging his fame and network to scout and support promising ventures.

Chris Smalling: Socially Conscious Investments

Chris Smalling, a British soccer player currently with Roma and co-founder of For Good 2021, uses his venture capital consultancy to support startups addressing social and environmental challenges. With investments ranging from $63,265 (50,000 British pounds) to $1,265,300 (1 million British pounds), Smalling backed innovative ventures such as Piñatex and plant-based food companies All Plants and Heüra, reflecting his commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices.

Alejandro Bedoya: From Coffee To Real Estate

Alejandro Bedoya, the seasoned Major League Soccer player, is investing his earnings wisely into real estate and a specialty coffee shop, M.A.S. Coffee, which celebrates his Colombian heritage. With a real estate portfolio exceeding $4 million, Bedoya’s strategy focuses on long-term equity and leveraging debt wisely, showcasing a prudent investment approach.

Zlatan Ibrahimović: Diverse Portfolio

Zlatan Ibrahimović‘s investment strategy encompasses a broad range of industries, from leisure facilities to consumer non-durables. His recent investment in PDL United highlights his interest in promising ventures that align with his personal brand and business objectives.

Mathieu Flamini: Environmental Pioneer

After his illustrious soccer career, Mathieu Flamini has made a significant impact with G.F. Biochemicals, offering an eco-friendly alternative to petrochemicals. His venture into producing levulinic acid from organic waste underscores his commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Lionel Messi: Entering The Digital Arena

One of soccer’s greatest names, Lionel Messi, ventured into the digital world with investments in Web3 and mobile gaming through Matchday, an interactive entertainment startup. Messi’s involvement is expected to revolutionize fan engagement in soccer through creative gaming experiences and innovations.

These athletes excel not only in their sports but also set a precedent for financial prudence and strategic investment, demonstrating that the skills honed on the pitch can indeed translate into successful business ventures off it.

Join us at Benzinga’s 2024 N.F.L. Draft event in Detroit on April 25 to see how athletes turn their sports success into business ventures. This one-day event at Campus Martius offers insights from sports legends like Donovan Edwards and Frankie LaPenna on leaping over the field to the boardroom.

Secure your ticket now for an inspiring experience at the intersection of sports and business. Don’t miss out — tickets are selling quickly!

Image: Spain soccer, Shutterstock