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Life after Old Trafford? Some would say that’s not even possible. However, for these Man United legends, the final whistle was just the start of a new chapter.
They had it all - the Stretford End roar, the trophies at one of the biggest stadiums in the world, and the unforgettable place in history. Now, they are leaving their mark on the world beyond the pitch. For some, it’s acting (like Cantona), modelling (Beckham), coaching (Rooney), and media (like Gary Neville), while for others, the road has taken a more unexpected turn.
Either way, it seems they’ve cracked the code. Let’s take a look at some of United’s iconic players and where life has taken them after football.
Gary Neville
A lifelong Red, a true legend, and one of the most decorated English and European footballers of all time, Gary Neville made 602 first-team appearances. He became one of Man United's most capped players with a stunning contribution on and off the pitch. Winning 8 Premier League titles underlined his dedication to the team’s success.
But that was just the tip of the iceberg. After hanging up his boots in 2011, Gary Neville embarked on a multifaceted post-football career, embracing broadcasting, coaching, business ownership, and entrepreneurship.
He is well known for his one-of-a-kind debates, strong opinions and insightful analysis with Sky Sports. Who can forget when he threw his famous line, “Klopp’s kids against the blue billion-pound bottle-jobs” after Chelsea's defeat to Liverpool in 2024?
Soon after, he joined the England national team as an assistant coach under Roy Hodgson (2012-2016). This was followed by a brief stint as a head coach for Valencia CF (2015-2016). Later on, he co-founded several ventures such as Hotel Football, Stock Exchange Hotel, Salford City FC, and similar. Recently, Neville hinted at a new career path to pursue, claiming it to be a perfect fit. The man is truly unstoppable.
David Beckham
Well... He’s not only a true Red Devil but a legend and a global icon. After his 1992 debut, he won 6 Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and became one of England’s greatest players, with 115 appearances for the England national team, 59 times as the team captain. He was renowned and known for his technical skill and exceptional passing ability (crossing and long-range shooting). He is even known among total football noobs. And not only for what he did for a team, but what he’s chosen to pursue after his football career.
Once he retired in 2013, he built a business empire. Merging fashion, sport, modelling, and lifestyle, became the brand ambassador for Dior, Ralph Lauren, Biotherm Homme, Gucci, and Adidas, launched several fragrances for men, and graced the covers of GQ and Vogue. He became a sports icon. He even partnered with the casino resort, Las Vegas Sands, to work as their ambassador in Asia.
Then 2018 came, and he made the biggest move in his football career yet - launched Inter Miami CF, competing in the U.S. Major League Soccer, as part of the Eastern Conference. And the cherry on top is that the squad list is impressive, with Messi, Suárez, Alba, and Busquets being widely recognisable faces.
Known for his talent on and off the pitch, smart moves, and collected personality, he continues to reshape the game. And for fans, he will remain one of the most recognisable faces in football and beyond.
Dwight Yorke
Wildly charismatic, passionate, with a strong work ethic and success-oriented, Yorke is one of the vibrant names in the football community. He is often criticised in the media due to his personal life, but professionally, Old Trafford loves him.
He had many memorable moments, but his contribution in the 1998-1999 season with delivering crucial goals alongside Andy Cole in the semi-final against Juventus in the Champions League, made him one of the names of the Man United Treble era. He scored 65 goals and had 152 appearances for the team, remaining one of the most loved Old Trafford figures.
He left the game in 2009, choosing to focus on managing and coaching positions, ambassador roles, pundit appearances and his motivational speaking ideas. He’s known as a smiling boy and continues to capture hearts wherever he goes.
Income Streams Don’t Stop at the Final Whistle
These people are proof that a thriving career doesn’t have to stop after the final whistle. You can still keep going even after retiring from one of the highest levels of the game. From modelling, acting, media punditry, coaching, fashion, to business and club ownership, as well as brand ambassador positions, some Man United icons have set a standard for “life after football”.
Some have gone even further and stepped into the world of digital entertainment, influencer marketing and lifestyle, even partnering up or running digital entertainment hubs, such as online casino cashback platforms, setting a new model for players to look up to.
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