At a Glance:
- African athletes turn sports fame into business empires, investing in real estate, tech, and finance.
- From Haile Gebrselassie to Anthony Joshua, these sports stars are shaping industries beyond the field.
- Strategic investments fuel athlete-led businesses, driving economic growth and innovation across Africa.
Africa, a continent known for its cultural diversity and thriving athletic talent, has produced some of the world’s most iconic athletes. From football and boxing to athletics and golf, African sports stars have not only dominated their respective fields but have also parlayed their success into impressive business ventures.
These athletes are setting the standard for how fame and fortune can be strategically leveraged to build thriving business empires.Â
Beyond their athletic achievements, several African athletes have turned their business savvy into financial success, investing in sectors such as real estate, technology, hospitality, media, and finance.
These athletes are not only redefining success on the field but also shaping industries across the globe.Â
Here, Shore Africa spotlight five African sports stars who have seamlessly transitioned from athletic greatness to business leadership, shaping industries and redefining success on and off the field.
1.Haile Gebrselassie – Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s legendary long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion, has transcended the track to become one of Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs.
Known for his dominance in marathons, including a record-setting streak in Berlin and Dubai, Gebrselassie has built an extensive business empire across multiple industries.Â
Since 1995, Gebrselassie has focused on long-term investments that generate sustainable economic impact. His flagship hospitality brand, Haile Resorts, launched in 2010, has expanded rapidly across Ethiopia, with notable properties like the Grand Haile Resort in Addis Ababa.
His entrepreneurial ventures also include Marathon Motors, which assembles Hyundai vehicles, positioning Ethiopia as a player in the electric vehicle market.
With investments spanning real estate, coffee plantations, and hospitality, Gebrselassie’s influence continues to grow, employing thousands and significantly contributing to Ethiopia’s economy.
2.Samuel Eto’o – Cameroon
Samuel Eto’o, the legendary Cameroonian striker, has successfully built a diversified business empire after a decorated football career.
With a net worth estimated at $16.4 million, Eto’o’s business ventures span real estate, hospitality, and even the oil industry.Â
The former Barcelona and Chelsea star’s flagship investment, Bonne Chance Café, seeks to bolster local commerce across Africa. Additionally, Eto’o has capitalized on Africa’s burgeoning real estate sector, with properties in both Europe and Africa.
His involvement in the oil sector, via strategic partnerships, positions him at the forefront of Africa’s energy market.Â
As president of the Cameroon Football Federation, and founder of Samuel Eto’o Foundation. Samuel Eto’o is driving the commercial and developmental growth of African football.
Through initiatives in education, healthcare, and sports, he is creating opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Cameroon while shaping the broader business landscape of the sport.
3.Didier Drogba – Ivory Coast
Didier Drogba, the all-time top scorer for Ivory Coast and a Chelsea legend. Drogba, one of Africa’s most accomplished footballers, has leveraged his fame to venture into several high-potential industries.
With a net worth of $20.8 million, Since retiring in 2018, Drogba has shifted from scoring goals to securing profitable investments.Â
The Ivorian football icon co-founded Drogba & Co in 2017, a private equity firm that funds African startups, and also holds stakes in various ventures, including mining and blockchain technology through 5ireChain.
As an advocate for social change, Drogba’s philanthropic work is as impactful as his business interests, with his foundation The Didier Drogba Foundationproviding healthcare and education across the continent.
His investment footprint continues to expand, establishing him as a key player in Africa’s economic development.
4.Anthony Joshua – Nigeria/United Kingdom
Anthony Joshua, the former heavyweight boxing champion, has parlayed his athletic success into a powerful business empire. He has since secured major wins, including a knockout victory against Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia in March 2024.
He has built a robust business empire in real estate, fashion, and technology. With an estimated net worth of $83 million, Joshua has transformed his global brand into a multi-sector business, leveraging his global brand into a thriving business empire.
He has inked lucrative endorsement deals with industry giants like Under Armour, Beats by Dre, Hugo Boss, and JD Sports, further solidifying his financial dominance.Â
Beyond sponsorships, Joshua is an astute investor with a focus on real estate and technology startups.
Through 258 Investments, his UK-based property firm, he has spent an estimated £150 million on properties in the last two years, expanding his real estate portfolio.
His promotional company, Sparta Promotions Limited, founded in 2012, has grown to a valuation of £129 million, with Joshua holding a 100% stake.
He also owns AJBXNG, his personal clothing line, strengthening his brand presence in the fashion industry.Â
With six potential opponents lined up, Joshua is gearing up for his next fight—continuing his reign as a global sports and business powerhouse.
5.Asamoah Gyan – Ghana
Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s all-time top scorer, has built a remarkable business empire that spans multiple industries, including real estate, aviation, and entertainment.
Gyan’s ventures are as diverse as his football career, cementing his status as one of Africa’s wealthiest athletes.
The former captain of the Ghana national football team owns Paradise Pac, a leading bottled water brand, and has founded Baby Jet Airlines, a startup in the aviation sector, starting operations soon in Accra Kotoka International Airport Ghana.
He is also a major player in Ghana’s real estate market, managing several high-value properties. Through his company Baby Jet Promotions, Gyan invests in the boxing industry, helping to shape the future of African fighters.
His successful transition from sports to business exemplifies the power of diversification.
The blueprint for athletic business successÂ
These athletes represent the epitome of successful career transitions from sports to business leadership. Their strategic investments across sectors like real estate, technology, and finance serve as powerful examples of wealth creation and diversification.
Through entrepreneurship, they’ve not only secured their financial futures but have also contributed to shaping Africa’s business landscape.Â
Their stories highlight the importance of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and long-term planning.
As African athletes continue to thrive in business, they serve as role models for future generations aiming to build legacies that extend far beyond the playing field.Â
Keywords: African athlete business empires, African entrepreneurship, sports and business success, wealth creation in Africa
