From Football to Tech: What Are Players Under 30 Betting On?
From tech startups and fashion labels to eateries and sports ventures, we explore where young football stars are investing and what they are creating themselves.
For many years, the stereotype of the footballer-entrepreneur was quite straightforward: purchase a home, open a restaurant, start a clothing line, and transform your name into a brand.
While this traditional approach is still relevant, the younger generation of footballers is introducing a fresh perspective. Some of the most prominent figures under 30 are investing in technology, startups, gaming, and other sports, as well as businesses aimed at thriving way beyond their playing days. These players are increasingly taking on roles as owners and shareholders rather than merely promoting existing companies.
1. Technology & Startups
Starting with Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roméo Lavia, these are young players which are turning mainly towards technology and startups. Their investments range from health-tech and sports technology to venture capital and consumer technology.
Kylian Mbappé
Through his investment vehicle Coalition Capital, Mbappé has built one of the most diverse portfolios among young footballers.
- Alan – health-tech / digital insurance
- Sorare – fantasy football / Web3
- Zebra Valley – media/production company
- Loewe Technology – consumer electronics
- SM Caen – football club ownership
- France SailGP Team – professional sailing
Erling Haaland
Haaland has also built a diversified investment portfolio through his own business structures.
- Hyperice – sports recovery technology
- Db – luggage and travel
- Bon Dep / Kknekki – fashion and lifestyle
- Norway Chess – chess competitions
- Chess Mates – sports entertainment / chess
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold has taken a more traditional venture-investment route.
- APEX – investment group / venture capital
- Alpine F1 – Formula 1
- Hexis – sports nutrition / performance technology
- VRTL – virtual fan engagement
- Traits – athlete profiling / sports technology
Roméo Lavia
At just 22, Lavia is already investing in technology directly connected to football.
- Be Your Best – virtual reality and cognitive training for footballers
2. Gaming & Digital Entertainment
Vinícius Jr., Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are among the players moving into the industries shaping how younger audiences consume sport and entertainment.
Vinícius Jr.
Vini Jr. has arguably one of the most culturally relevant portfolios among young footballers.
- LOUD – esports, gaming and entertainment; shareholder and board member
- FC Alverca – football club ownership
- Papa Media House – football representation
- Instituto Vini Jr. – education and social impact
- BailaViniJR – personal brand / merchandise
His investment in LOUD is particularly significant because it puts a footballer directly into the esports industry rather than simply making him a gaming ambassador.
Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé has invested in the digital side of sport and entertainment through:
- Sorare – fantasy football / Web3
- Zebra Valley – media and entertainment production
- Coalition Capital – his investment vehicle
Erling Haaland
Haaland’s move into chess also places him within the rapidly growing digital sports-entertainment economy.
- Chess Mates – chess / sports entertainment
- Norway Chess – professional chess
3. Other Sports
Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Trent Alexander-Arnold are taking their money outside football altogether.
Rather than investing only in the sport they play, they are buying into cricket, sailing, chess and Formula 1.
Jude Bellingham
Bellingham’s most notable investment outside football is:
- Birmingham Phoenix – cricket / The Hundred; 1.2% stake
Kylian Mbappé
- France SailGP Team – professional sailing; investment through Coalition Capital
Erling Haaland
- Norway Chess – professional chess
- Chess Mates – chess and sports entertainment
The common thread is that these players are not simply expanding their personal brands into another sport. They are buying into sports as businesses.
4. Consumer, Lifestyle & Traditional Businesses
Erling Haaland, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho show that the traditional footballer investment model is still alive. The difference is that consumer businesses now sit alongside technology and sports investments rather than replacing them.
Erling Haaland
- Bon Dep / Kknekki – fashion and lifestyle
- Db – luggage and travel
- Hyperice – sports recovery
Marcus Rashford
Rashford’s investments lean more towards traditional assets and consumer businesses.
- Nala’s Baby – baby skincare; investor
- MUCS Properties – property investment company
- Real estate – investment properties in Manchester
Jadon Sancho
Sancho has a smaller documented investment portfolio, but one clear external investment stands out:
- Nala’s Baby – baby skincare; investor
- Sancho Investments Limited – personal investment vehicle
- Sancho Management Limited – personal management company
The next generation of footballers is building wealth differently, moving beyond traditional investments into startups, technology, gaming, fashion and sports ownership. From Mbappé and Haaland to Bellingham and Vinícius Jr., these players are not only securing their futures but also using their influence to build businesses and shape industries beyond the pitch.
Ready for more?
Looking for another inspiring story of footballers taking control of their life beyond the pitch? Check our Top 5 Footballer Fashion Brands – And Why They’re So Successful.
From bold investments to exciting partnerships and players becoming brand ambassadors — discover more stories about footballers and their game-changing business ventures here.
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