15 players who were rich before football
People want to play football for different reasons. Some love the game, while others see it as a way of becoming rich stars. This list from 'Bolavip' shows fifteen wealthy people who became footballers.
15. Gianluca Vialli
He was born in the Castle of Belgioioso de Cremono and grew up comfortably with his four sisters thanks to his father’s fortune.
14. Andrea Pirlo
The classy Italian midfielder had a very untroubled upbringing thanks to his father’s metal company.
13. Mario Balotelli
Having contacted social services due to his Ghanaian familiy’s financial troubles, he was adopted by an affluent family from Brescia.
12. Oliver Bierhoff
The Euro ’96 Golden-goal scorer was helped to sporting success by his business tycoon father.
11. Marcelo Bielsa
The former Marseille manager came from a background of lawyers and politicians, which allowed him to retire at the age of 25.
10. Hugo Lloris
He was born into an upper-class family from Nice. His mother was a lawyer and his father a banker.
9. Al-Saadi Gaddafi
The son of Libya’s former dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. He was national team captain and president of the Libya FA, enjoying special treatment thanks to his parents’ position.
7. Shaun Wright-Phillips
The winger was adopted by England and Arsenal icon Ian Wright, at the age of 3.
6. Ciprian Marica
The Romanian international comes from an upper-class family. His father is a successful businessman.
5. Ahmed Mido
His father was a footballer which helped the ‘King of The Cairo’, in a country with a population of limited means.
4. Robin Van Persie
His parents were respected artists, who helped and supported him throughout his rise in football.
3. Kaka
His father was an engineer, while his mother was a teacher. His upbringing is far from that of the stereotypical empoverished Brazilian footballer.
2. Frank Lampard
One of football’s most important families. His father played for West Ham, and his uncle Harry Redknapp granted him his Premier League debut.
1. Gerard Piqué
His father is a successful legal representative and businessman, while his mother is the director of an important hospital in Barcelona. Also, his grandfather is the coach of Barcelona U18’s.
It is worth noting that this season Barcelona's legendary defender retired from football before the World Cup in Qatar after the Catalans made another poor start to the season after being knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage. However, since then Xavi Hernandez's side have improved their performances and are challenging for the league title. If you want to enjoy football with the thrill of knowing that you have bet on a match or for example that Barca will win the domestic title, the best place to do it is definitely one of the best betting sites in Asia: Fun88