Nationality: England
Career: Former Blackburn Rovers player, Wigan Athletic owner
Unlike the other names on this list, Dave Whelan’s place among the richest soccer players 2025 comes largely from his business acumen. After a short playing career, Whelan founded JJB Sports, one of the UK’s largest sports retail chains, and later owned Wigan Athletic.
His story highlights how footballers can leverage their careers into business empires, even without superstar status on the pitch.
