Successful Soccer Players | Most Successful Retired Football Players

Most Successful Retired Football Players: David Beckham, the former English football legend and fashion icon, is unquestionably the most successful and popular retired soccer player. David Beckham owns football clubs as well as his own fashion label with his wife, Victoria Beckham. Eric Cantona of France and Luis Figo of Portugal both deserve honorable mentions among the most successful retired football players.

Football players are perhaps the most popular of all athletes. However, it is not only loved that they earn when they spend time on the football field. They not only command everyone's respect, admiration, and attention, but also money and fame. However, after retirement, this may not always be the case. We've compiled a list of the most successful retired football players.

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Successful Retired Soccer Players – 2023 Updates

When you are no longer on the playing field, things change. Sometimes the circumstances are so dire that the footballers are forced to take jobs they would never have imagined. Among the examples is the Dutch international footballer Berry van Aerle, who is not a postman. However, not every footballer follows that path.

10. Gianfranco Zola (Italy)

Zola has launched a successful managerial career since his retirement. From 2006 to 2008, he was the coach of Italy's under-21 team. He took over as manager of West Ham United in 2008, but was fired at the end of the 2009-2010 season.

Watford then signed Zola to a two-year contract. He is now ranked tenth among the top ten most successful retired football players.

9. Gerd Muller (Germany)

Retired German Soccer Players Muller was the most famous German striker. He struggled with alcohol after retirement, but he entered a rehabilitation programme and came out clean.

He has been the coach of Bayern Munich for a long time. Muller also owns Adidas clothing. In addition, he is one of the most prolific Bundesliga goal scorers of all time.

8. Pelé (Brazil)

Former Brazilian soccer player Pele is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time by football fans. One of the Game's True Legends. The former Brazilian star, 72, is well-known for his diplomatic career. Pelé has served as UNESCO's goodwill ambassador and as the United Nations' ambassador for ecology and the environment.

He's written several autobiographies and has appeared in documentaries. In addition, in 2010, he was named Honorary President of the New York Cosmos.

7. Ronaldo (Brazil)

The former Brazilian striker had some issues, but he has since matured. He is a partner in the Brazilian A1 team. In 2014, Ronaldo is expected to become President of the Brazilian Football Confederation.

Ronaldo is now ranked seventh on our list of the top 10 most successful retired football players.

6. Gary Neville (England)

Neville has started coaching since his retirement. He held a UEFA coaching license and was appointed to the England team's coaching staff in 2012. The University of Bolton bestowed an honorary degree on Neville for his outstanding contributions to football.

He frequently appears in the media, writing columns and serving as an analyst for various television networks. Neville is now ranked sixth on our list of the top ten most successful retired football players.

5. Zinedine Zidane (France)

Zidane, a retired French soccer player and one of the greatest Muslim athletes of all time, is still regarded as the greatest playmaker. He was well-known for his abilities, but even more so for his famous headbutt to Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final.

Zidane has frequently played for Real Madrid Veterans since his retirement. He also joined Real Madrid's coaching staff under former manager Jose Mourinho and is now the club's head coach. Aside from that, he has millions of dollars in endorsements.

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4. Sir Bobby Charlton (England)

Sir Bobby Charlton, perhaps England's most celebrated midfielder, took over as manager of Preston North End. He later became the director of Wigan Athletic and is now a member of Manchester United's board of directors. Charlton was the first person to be inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.

In 2008, he was also awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also been involved in some reputable charitable activities and organizations, as well as a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy.

3. Luis Figo (Portugal)

Even though his football career is over, the Portugal international who played for many big names, including Real Madrid and Internazionale, is quite successful. During the 2005-2006 season, he shared a seat with Team Portugal in the A1 Grand Prix.

He works as an ambassador for Internazionale and the "Stop TB Partnership." He is also the founder of Network 90 and a bar in Portugal. Figo is now ranked among the top ten most successful retired football players.

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2. Eric Cantona (France)

After retiring, the former French striker became involved in the media. He appeared in several films and television commercials. Cantona was also named captain of the French national beach football team. He also appeared briefly on an album by the French rock band Dionysos.

Cantona returned to football in 2011 as the New York Cosmos' director of soccer. He was also involved in a number of political activities and endorsed two football video games. Cantona unquestionably deserves to be ranked among the top 10 most successful retired football players.

1. David Beckham (England)

David Beckham, a retired English soccer player and one of the most handsome footballers of all time, has had the most promising and successful career both on and off the field. He was enormously popular during his career, and he may be even more so now. Beckham has had it all, from million-euro endorsements to being a fashion icon.

His notable charitable work, television appearances, and role as the global ambassador of Chinese football have helped him become the most successful retired footballer in history. Beckham deservingly ranks among the top 10 most successful retired football players.

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Most Successful Retired Football Players – Infographics

FAQs Most Successful Retired Football Players

Q. How can you ask a good question to a football player after the game?

Discover what the team has been up to in practice. Receive an update on any noteworthy events. Check to see if any players have been injured. Request a scouting report on the opponent for tonight.

Q. Is Messi wealthier than Ronaldo?

Cristiano Ronaldo has surpassed Lionel Messi to become football's highest earner, according to Forbes. According to reports, the Portuguese forward will earn $125 million this year, with Manchester United paying $70 million and commercial endorsements paying $55 million.

Q. What sport is known as the "beautiful game"?

Football is known as the "Beautiful Game" (Portuguese: o Jogo bonito). Despite its detractors, Brazilian footballer Pelé popularised it. Stuart Hall, an English commentator, used it as early as 1958.

Q. Which country has the greatest number of soccer fans?

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with 250 million players in over 200 countries. Its popularity is spreading to North America and Asia, in addition to Europe, Central and South America, and Africa.