Wealth, fame, and an elite lifestyle have become the norm for many sporting professionals, at least for the duration of their careers. However, athletes (especially footballers) have quite a limited window within which to earn at an ultra-high level. The financial consequences of a divorce during that window can therefore be substantial. 

England’s Euro 2024 defender, Kyle Walker, and former Chelsea midfielder, Geremi Fotso, are the latest to join the growing list of professional footballers getting divorced, highlighting ongoing concerns within the football community regarding the financial and personal impacts of marital breakdowns on players and managers alike. 

With football managers encouraging their players to settle down and marry early (to keep them focussed on the game), the average age at which they tie the knot is often far younger than average. A footballer’s peak earning period is short, often limited to their 20s and early 30s, after which their earnings are likely to drastically decrease in retirement. Injuries can also have a severe negative impact on their income. 

These factors make divorce particularly challenging for footballers, who must navigate the legal system whilst planning for a post-football career that may not offer comparable financial rewards. It is crucial for anyone who is likely to have a short-career to carefully consider the impact of a future divorce. Putting in place a well-drafted and considered nuptial agreement can help to protect wealth in this event. Had former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs signed a nuptial agreement, the outcome of his divorce – in which he reportedly unsuccessfully argued that he should keep his £40,000,000 fortune on the basis that he made a special contribution to the marriage - could have been very different. 

Unmarried footballers must also carefully consider their financial standing in the event of a separation where children are involved. When parties are not married but share a child, financial claims for the benefit of the child can be pursued under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. For high-earning individuals like footballers, this legal framework allows the other parent to seek maintenance for the benefit of the child, including a “carer’s allowance”, and sums for educational expenses. In 2015, a well-known but unnamed footballer, who was considered to be in the autumn of his career, successfully reduced a child maintenance order on appeal because the amount ordered was an erroneously high percentage of his income. The court can also make orders with regard to property, despite the parties not being married, but an order for provision of property is likely to be made on the basis that the property reverts to the footballer when the child reaches majority. 

Despite their fame and fortunes, any ultra-high earners with short careers spans must consider early legal advice and financial planning for life-changing events such as a divorce or separation.