David James. Images via Twitter @Image_
Millionaire soccer stars who reportedly went broke after divorce
From David James to Emmanuel Eboue, here’s a list of millionaire soccer players who reportedly went broke after a divorce.
David James. Images via Twitter @Image_
We go through a list of millionaire soccer players from David James, Asamoah Gyan to Emmanuel Eboue, who went broke after getting divorced.
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FOOTBALLERS WHO WENT ‘BROKE’ AFTER DIVORCE
DAVID JAMES
Former English goalkeeper David James played for top clubs including Liverpool, Watford, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and West Ham, according to Express.co.uk.
The publication adds that James lost everything after his £3 million (R68 million) divorce.The footballer whose career spans over 26 years declared himself bankrupt in 2018, according to a 2019 Express.co.uk article.
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ASAMOAH GYAN
The Mirror.co.uk revealed in 2018 that 38-year-old former Premier League star Asamoah Gyan was reportedly broke and had just £600 (R830) in his bank account.
The publication added that Gyan made 37 appearances for Sunderland after making a £13 million (R288,274,251.32 ) move to England, and was playing for Kayserispor in Turkey in 2018.
A tweep @modap_ tweeted: “Asamoah Gyan declared he had only £600 in his bank account when his wife filed for divorce. Also had his properties in his brother’s name so she couldn’t get any.”
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EMMANUEL EBOUE
The Sun reported in 2017 that 40-year-old Ivorian footballer Emmanuel Eboue, who used to make millions reportedly lost all his money and properties to his wife after their divorce.
In an interview with the Sunday Mirror, Eboue said he lost a divorce battle that left his wife Aurelie with all of their assets and has no contact with his daughters Clara, 14, and Maeva, 12.
“In Turkey, I earned eight million euros. I sent seven million back home. Whatever she tells me to sign, I sign.”
The former Arsenal player also rubbished claims that he’s broke in an interview with ModernGhana in 2021.
“I have properties in Ghana, I have properties in my own country Ivory (Coast). I live comfortably and I thank God.”
It is revealed the star remarried his childhood sweetheart Stephanie Boede when he returned to his home country.
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OTHER SOCCER STARS WHO WENT ‘BROKE’
JOHN ARNE RIISE
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The BBC revealed in 2007 that John Arne Riise was declared bankrupt by Liverpool County Court for an unpaid debt of around £100,000 (R2,250,365.76).
The Liverpool defender reportedly earned around £50,000 (R1,136,486.49) a week and was involved in a legal battle with his former agent, Einar Baardsen.
The case was reported to be linked to an alleged £3m (R68,189,189.19) fraud investigation going through the courts in Norway.
Ronaldinho
Sportskeeda reported in 2019 that Brazil legend Ronaldinho was in debt to the tune of £1.75 million (R39 million). The former Barcelona super-rich megastar, who won The FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2004 and 2005 reportedly became so broke that he was left with only £5.24 (R113) in his bank account.
Royston Drenthe
The Sun revealed in 2020 that former Everton star and Holland international Royston Drenthe was declared bankrupt after revealing he lost £ 3.2 million (R72 million).The publication added at the time that the 35-year-old is currently playing his trade in the Dutch division two with Kozak Boys but has some problems off the pitch. He also made more headlines when it was reported he decided to become a rapper.
DIEGO MARADONA
Legendary Argentinian footballer Diego Maradona filed for bankruptcy in 2009 after the Italian Tax Authority demanded he pays around £42 million in unpaid taxes from his time as a Napoli player.The soccer star, who was reportedly addicted to drugs and alcohol passed away in November 2020 after suffering a cardiac arrest with just £75,000 (R 1,658.21) in his account, according to DailyMail.
Note: Many of these footballers have turned things around and got back on their feet financially
