Louis Saha, the former football star known for his time at Manchester United, has transitioned from the pitch to the boardroom, astoundingly amassing a fortune that surpasses that of his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. At the age of 46, Saha has become a billionaire through his consultancy firm, AxisStars, which is valued at an impressive 5.1 billion euros (approximately R$ 31 billion).
After retiring from football in 2013, when he was just 35 years old, Saha swiftly entered the world of business. Alongside British entrepreneur Kate Hamer, he founded AxisStars, a consultancy aimed at helping athletes and celebrities manage their careers and establish secure connections with trustworthy investors and business partners. Today, the platform boasts more than 500 clients, highlighting its expansive reach and influence.
The success of AxisStars has led to significant financial rewards for Saha, positioning him above Ronaldo, who, despite being the highest-paid athlete of 2024, with earnings of $ 285 million (around R$ 1.6 billion), has an estimated net worth of only $ 800 million (about R$ 4.5 billion).
Reflecting on his ongoing contributions to the sports community, Saha shared, "I still receive requests for advice daily. For example, my agent called me to say he has a talented French player he wants to bring to England, and he asked how to create a specific training program. I connected him with people I used to work with." This statement, made during a 2017 interview with The Guardian, exemplifies his commitment to guiding the next generation of football talent.
Born in Paris in 1978, Saha's football career spanned several clubs including Newcastle, Fulham, Everton, and Tottenham, with his peak being at Manchester United from 2004 to 2008. There, he clinched two Premier League titles and the coveted Champions League title in the 2007-08 season, scoring 42 goals in 124 matches. Saha also showcased his talent on the international stage, representing France in the 2006 World Cup.
The entrepreneurial shift Saha made post-retirement contrasts sharply with the paths many athletes take, often opting for coaching or media roles. Instead, Saha identified a niche in career management that many public figures struggle with: securing and optimizing commercial opportunities. AxisStars effectively bridges the gap between celebrity talent and the corporate world, utilizing technology to provide personalized service and real-time connections.
Since its inception in 2018, AxisStars has carved out a substantial market niche, initially targeting European athletes and later expanding to American sports like the NBA and NFL with brand partnerships that include major names like Adidas and Pepsi. The firm's valuation has skyrocketed over the years, reflecting a growing demand for tailored celebrity consultancy.
While Cristiano Ronaldo remains an iconic figure in sports and business—with his lucrative endorsement deals integrating everything from apparel to gyms—Saha’s journey exemplifies a less traditional and equally rewarding route. Unlike Ronaldo’s success, which is heavily reliant on his personal brand and field achievements, Saha’s wealth stems from successfully scaling a consultancy that addresses the unique needs of athletes and entertainers. This innovative approach marks a significant evolution in how former athletes can leverage their expertise for monetary gain.
The expansion of Saha's company also signals a changing landscape in the sports industry, where previous paradigms are increasingly challenged. Athletes are now looking at long-term sustainability and wealth management, driven by experts like Saha who have navigated both the sports and business arenas. His model demonstrates that while success on the field is commendable, the potential for financial growth in other areas can far exceed that of sports earnings alone.
Key milestones in AxisStars’ journey include its launch in 2018, the aggressive expansion to the U.S. market in 2020, and a steady increase in clientele across various celebrity domains. This trajectory highlights not just Saha’s growth, but also an industry trend where strategic planning and innovation hold greater weight.
In his own words, Saha’s reflections on mentorship and his role in assisting current players embody his dedication to the sport and community: "I put them in contact with the people I used to work with... this is the kind of player that could join Axis and then look for a personal trainer in his area." His ongoing engagement underscores a commitment to fostering talent—a vital aspect in an industry where many face uncertainty once their playing careers end.
Saha's success story serves as a source of inspiration for former athletes contemplating their next chapters. His experience teaches that proper planning and willingness to embrace change can yield extraordinary outcomes. As other athletes look to innovate in their post-career endeavors, the framework Saha has established through AxisStars serves as a gold standard in celebrity consultancy.
With an unwavering focus on growth, Saha and his company aim to deepen their global imprint. The future looks promising for AxisStars, with the incorporation of advanced technologies like blockchain for contract management set to redefine standards further. As Louis Saha embarks on his second career, he not only sets the pace as a financial powerhouse but also amplifies the narrative that life after sports can be filled with opportunities and success beyond what was once imaginable.
