Football nowadays is a very lucrative venture for administrators, coaches, and players. Footballers all over the world, especially the ones that play on top teams, earn huge amounts of money through wages, bonuses, and commercial endorsements.
It’s not uncommon to find players investing some of that money in various businesses to earn extra on the side. Some go for clothing companies, others hotels, while a few opt for automobile selling ventures.
Today we will be looking at seven football players who own restaurants.
10 Football Players Who Own Restaurants
This article will discuss only the active soccer players who own restaurants.
1. Lionel Messi – Bellavista del Jardin del Norte
Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one of the greatest soccer players of all time and most successful players in the history of football. These accolades have translated to mega-million soccer dollar contracts and endorsements.
This has enabled the legendary Argentine the financial resources to build or invest in businesses of his choice.
One of these ventures is a restaurant called ‘Bellavista del Jardin del Norte,’ which in English translates to ‘beautiful view of the garden in the north.
In the restaurant, there are signed shirts on display from Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, and big screens that show football matches. Also, customers can play video games from the 1980s and 1990s.
The restaurant was named in tribute to his home Rosario in Argentina. Located in the heart of Barcelona in Spain, the restaurant is jointly run by Lionel, his brother, and his sister.
2. David Luiz & Willian – BANCO
Childhood friends and former Brazilian international teammates Luiz and Willian share many things in common apart from their friendship and the teams they have played for.
The duo jointly own an Italian restaurant called Babbo, later renamed BANCO.
Located in Mayfair, a highbrow district of London, the eatery attracts many celebrities and footballers like N’golo Kante, Eden Hazard, and Olivier Giroud.
3. Luis Suárez – Chalito
In 2017, Uruguayan legend Suarez opened ‘Chalito,’ a fancy restaurant on the beachfront of Castelldefels, which is near the coast of Barcelona city centre
The Chalito Barcelona has a luxurious interior and a wide selection of homemade fast food.
The restaurant is usually frequented by many of his ex-Barcelona teammates.
4. Marco Verratti – Giusé Trattoria
Marco Verratti played in Paris for Paris Saint-Germain for over ten years before moving to Al-Arabi in Qatar.
During that time, the Italian midfielder established Giusé Trattoria, an Italian trattoria in Paris, France.
5. James Rodríguez – Leca de Palmeira Waterfront
The mercurial midfielder is among the South American footballers who own restaurants.
Early on in his career, the Colombian international midfielder dabbled into the restaurant business.
While playing for the Portuguese side, FC Porto, James opened a fish and seafood restaurant called Leca de Palmeira Waterfront, located in the same Porto he played professionally.
Apart from the food, the restaurant was also noted for its unique décor of football boots and shirts worn by Rodríguez.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo – Pestana CR7
Apart from his exploits on the field of play, the Portuguese superstar is also well known for having a keen sense to spot various business opportunities. It’s no surprise that the multiple Ballon D’or winner also owns restaurants.
The CR7 Corner Bar and Bistro are a chain of restaurants located in the Ronaldo-owned Pestana CR7 Hotel.
The hotel has branches all over Portugal, different parts of Europe, and North America.
The restaurant serves up traditional Portuguese food to go with the football-themed décor.
7. Adrien Silva – Ospitalita Italiana
Adrien Silva is a Portuguese footballer who plays for Emirati club Al Wahda. He has played for Sporting CP, Leicester City, and Sampdoria.
The Portuguese midfielder owns an Italian restaurant called Ospitalita Italiana.
The diner is located in Lisbon, Portugal. Located in the Parque de Narcos area of the capital city, the restaurant serves traditional Italian meals like pasta and pizza to its customers in a football-themed venue.
8. Javer Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso – El Botinero
In the heart of Brera, just a short walk from Milan’s center, lies “El Botinero,” the Argentinian restaurant co-owned by Inter Milan legends Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso.
This modern and elegant establishment boasts a decor entirely dedicated to sports, featuring jerseys, shoes, photos, and other memorabilia.
It offers an authentic Argentine dining experience with a unique selection of eight different cattle breeds.
Furthermore, in October 2020, Zanetti launched “El Patio del Gaucho” at the Sheraton Milano San Siro, a South American steakhouse renowned for its traditional parrilla grill, serving top-quality meats, grilled fish, shellfish, and vegetables.
9. Leonardo Bonucci – Léve
Léve, the restaurant owned by Juventus footballer Leonardo Bonucci, is situated in a sophisticated Barozza villa in central Turin.
The establishment draws inspiration from Formentera’s renowned “Bocasalina” in Es Pujols, reflected in both its menu and ambiance.
The kitchen is helmed by Marco de Matteis, the original chef of Bocasalina, who brings a wealth of innovative dishes.
The menu features a variety of raw meat and fish options, complemented by a well-stocked dessert counter and a vibrant lounge bar.
10. Frank Lampard – The Pig’s Ear
Legendary English footballer, Frank Lampard ventured into the culinary world with his gastropub, The Pig’s Ear, located in Chelsea, London.
This charming establishment exudes a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere, offering a modern take on traditional British pub fare.
The décor is thoughtfully designed, featuring sports memorabilia that nods to Lampard’s illustrious career, creating a welcoming environment for both locals and visitors.
The Pig’s Ear has garnered acclaim for its menu, which includes refined British classics such as Hereford dry-aged ribeye with treacle marinade and pot-roast dishes.
The gastropub’s commitment to quality ingredients and innovative culinary techniques has made it a favorite dining spot in Chelsea.
Other Football Players Who Own Restaurants
Some footballers who are currently retired are also restaurant owners. The following are the former footballers who own restaurants:
- Alessandro Del Piero – N10
- Zinedine Zidane – Nulle Part Ailleurs
- Rio Ferdinand – Rosso Restaurant
- Vincent Kompany – Good Kompany
- Ryan Giggs – George’s
- Gary Neville – The Bull and Bear
- Clarence Seedorf – Fingers Garden
