For those who've had a successful career in the Premier League, retiring opens up a world of new possibilities. Mathieu Flamini, Gerard Piqué, Sergio Agüero and a bunch of other iconic footballers leverage their fame and star status to break into tech, esports, and media - becoming TV pundits or launching their own ventures.
Sometimes, a post-retirement career takes an unexpected turn, transforming former EPL stars into CEOs of corporations with almost nothing to do with football. In this post, we go over 5 ex-Premier League players who have left the pitch to conquer big business.
Mathieu Flamini - GF Biochemicals
Before business became part of his life, Mathieu Flamini played in midfield for AC Milan and Arsenal F.C. Sufficient earnings from playing football let him comfortably step away from the spotlight and move in a completely different direction. Today, Mathieu Flamini is the executive of GFBiochemicals (established in 2013), a company that heavily focuses on sustainable chemistry.
Main Activities of Flamini's Company
GF Biochemicals became the first to develop levulinic acid on a commercial scale - a compound considered a possible alternative to petrochemicals and useful across several industries.
The company is also branching out into green tech, taking on projects like:
- Cutting down industrial CO2 emissions to lighten the environmental footprint.
- Developing eco-friendly alternatives for ingredients used in cosmetics and cleaning supplies.
- Pushing the boundaries of renewable fuels to find cleaner energy solutions.
What made Flamini stand out after football was that it became much more than a celebrity side project. GFB grew into a serious business with real industrial applications and environmental impact behind it - one of the most unusual post-football success stories.
Jota Peleteiro - Groinn
Before moving into business, Jota Peleteiro played for clubs like Aston Villa F.C., Fulham F.C., and Brentford F.C. As soon as football was in the past, Peleteiro became interested in Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital farming and AgriTech startups. That eventually led to Groinn, a scale-up built around farming technology and automation, where Jota currently runs as CEO.
Groinn works on tools such as:
- smart soil and moisture sensors
- AI crop forecasting systems
- water management and optimization technology
His approach to digital transformation of farming is already attracting attention in parts of Europe and Latin America. Groinn's rapid growth and success are not luck; Peleteiro brought together innovation and IT specialists to build an experienced team. Plus, the smart sensors they offer are more affordable than the competition.
Gerard Piqué - Kosmos
Gerard Piqué Bernabéu might've started at Manchester United, but FC Barcelona is where he really became a household name. After full retirement, he moved from the pitch straight into the boardroom, throwing himself into sports media. Piqué is the CEO of Kosmos (established in 2017), and through his company, he is trying to change the way we watch sports. The digital ecosystems his team creates make things faster, more social, and way more in sync with how people follow the game today.
Today, Piqué's Kosmos is involved in:
- Hybrid football competitions
- Kings League (proprietary sports media asset)
- Sports broadcasts and digital content production
Social media and new digital formats also remain a huge part of what Kosmos maintains its focus on. Despite the Davis Cup project being a frank failure, Gerard is confident about his company's bright future.
Outside of business, Piqué still enjoys poker. While the best poker sites for UK players and global brands today offer generous cashback bonuses and fast withdrawals, the ex-footballer does not change his habits. Live high-stakes tournaments seem to be his forever passion.
Sergio Agüero - KRÜ Esports
Sergio Agüero built his reputation as one of the Premier League's deadliest strikers during his years with Manchester City F.C. Retirement, though, pushed him toward a completely different industry. Instead of coaching or TV work, the ex-football player became heavily involved in competitive gaming. Today, Sergio Agüero takes the post of CEO at KRÜ Esports, a well-known firm in the Latin American esports market.
KRÜ definitely holds its own in Valorant and Rocket League, but for them, pro gaming is only one piece of the puzzle. It's stopped being just about the trophies. Thanks to a massive Twitch streaming presence and some clever creator link-ups, they've morphed into a full-scale entertainment powerhouse.
Louis Saha - AxisStars
Louis Saha played for clubs including Everton F.C. and Manchester United F.C. before eventually moving into tech and business. Later (in 2019), he launched AxisStars, a networking platform for the professional sports industry.
What is AxisStars Working On?
The idea came from a problem many athletes run into once football starts fading into the background. Business partnerships, contracts, and financial decisions - most players are not really prepared for that world while still actively playing.
AxisStars gives athletes a safer way to connect with advisors, partners, and companies. The platform also works on projects tied to financial literacy, branding, wealth management, and legal awareness for younger players.
Final Take
True football stars, particularly those from the EPL constellation, don't just shine on the pitch - they shine off it, too. Ex-footballers are systematically moving into managing their own projects and launching socially conscious businesses, continuing to play - just in a different role, CEO.
Meanwhile, the race for the Premier League title is still on. As of mid-May 2026, Arsenal leads the race (79 points), but Manchester City (77 points) is right behind them.