10 Footballers Who Own Restaurants

Football is a goldmine, but for most of the world’s best players, it’s just the beginning of their financial empires.

Beyond goals and assists, and titles won, these footballers make millions from wages, bonuses, and sponsorship deals to clear the path for newer ventures.

Some invest in fashion lines, while others go for hotels or car dealerships. And then there are a growing number of football stars who have turned their attention to restaurants and bars.

From hip gastropubs to haute cuisine spots, these football stars are serving up some dining experiences that are just as unforgettable as the moments they create on the pitch.

Let’s take a look at 10 footballers who own restaurants

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Pestana CR7 Corner Bar and Bistro

Ronaldo is not just a soccer player, but an international brand.

He is famous for his outstanding business acumen, and he expanded his empire by investing in the hotel industry with several hotels under the Pestana CR7 brand.

Where there’s a hotel, there’s got to be a place to eat, right? The CR7 Corner Bar and Bistro brings into culinary life the sleek hotel chain courtesy of Ronaldo.

With its sites in Portugal, other parts of Europe, and North America, it serves traditional Portuguese food combined with soccer nostalgia.

At CR7 Corner Bar and Bistro, everything ranging from food to décor speaks of Ronaldo’s roots, tinged with a signature style backing the same.

For any fan of Ronaldo, dinner at one of his restaurants is the opportunity to live in his world off the pitch: lavish, refined, and unapologetically Ronaldo.

2. Lionel Messi – Bellavista del Jardín del Norte

Lionel Messi-what can be said about him? He is one of the finest football players in the world, if not the best. Along with his numerous Ballon d’Ors and records, Messi ventured into the restaurant business with the opening of Bellavista del Jardín del Norte in Barcelona.

Nestled right in the middle of the city, Bellavista del Jardín del Norte- translated as “beautiful view of the garden in the north“-is a name dedicated to Messi’s hometown of Rosario in Argentina.

The restaurant is also a family affair with Messi running this place with his brother and sister. But Bellavista is something more than just a place to eat; it is a football fan’s dream come true.

Inside, signed shirts from Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar line the walls, while big screens play football matches. The customers also get to spend a little time being nostalgic by playing vintage video games from the ’80s and ’90s.

The restaurant’s ambiance merged Messi’s hometown love with a passion for football to create probably one of a kind in Barcelona.

Little wonder the place has become a hotbed for locals and tourists alike to dine into Messi’s world.

3. Luis Suárez – Chalito

One of the most feared strikers in modern football, Luis Suárez is also a restaurateur. In 2017, Suárez opened Chalito, a beachfront restaurant in Castelldefels just outside Barcelona.

Chalito has a luxurious and laid-back atmosphere-perfect to unwind after a day at the beach. Specializing in homemade fast food, it has quickly become the go-to restaurant not only for locals but also for several of Suárez’s former Barcelona teammates.

It’s not hard to imagine oneself relaxing, snacking on some homemade empanadas while looking at the Mediterranean, possibly with one or two famous footballers.

4. Frank Lampard – The Pig’s Ear

Arguably one of the best midfielders England has ever produced and Chelsea’s all-time top scorer, Frank Lampard hung up his football boots for kitchen knives when he launched his gastropub, The Pig’s Ear in Chelsea, London.

It is famous for its warm, yet elegant setting, offering contemporary takes on age-old British pub classics.

And not surprisingly, The Pig’s Ear has a decoration of sports memorabilia on its walls that reminds one of Lampard’s storied football career.

It is the food that is the star, though: everything from Hereford dry-aged ribeye with treacy marinade to heartier pot roasts earn the celebrity chef-cum-pub owner critical acclaim for quality and creativity.

If you are a Chelsea fan or just looking for a good meal, then The Pig’s Ear should be a stop on your London places-to-go list.

5. David Luiz & Willian – Babbo/Banco

Brazilian internationals David Luiz and Willian share little more in common than what has been happening on the pitch.

The two are also co-owners of Babbo, a high-end Italian restaurant nestled in Mayfair, London.

Formerly called Babbo, BANCO has now become a place of pilgrimage for footballers and celebrities alike. The regulars include N’Golo Kanté, Eden Hazard, and Olivier Giroud.

Here, a chic atmosphere is married to tasty, genuine Italian cuisine to make this one of London’s high-desirable places to dine. Whether you’re looking to dine out easily or even in a more refined way, BANCO’s got you sorted.

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6. Marco Verratti – Giusé Trattoria

This diminutive but dynamic midfielder had spent over a decade in Paris playing for Paris Saint-Germain before his move to Al-Arabi in Qatar.

During his time in the French capital, Verratti established Giusé Trattoria, an Italian restaurant that brings the flavors of his homeland to Paris.

Nestled in a cozy Parisian setting, Giusé Trattoria boasts a menu full of the most genuine Italian dishes: from fresh pasta to pizzas-all with Verratti’s special touch.

The trattoria gives the sensation of real Italian cuisine: simple, full of flavor, and steeped in tradition.

It is a piece of Italy at the heart of Paris, and says much about the connection of Verratti to his roots, even when in a foreign land.

7. Clarence Seedorf – Fingers

Since 2004, former Real Madrid and AC Milan star Clarence Seedorf has been serving up more than just football magic—he’s the proud owner of a chain of Japanese restaurants that have taken the world by storm.

With locations spanning Milan, France, and Dubai, Seedorf’s food-chain empire has become an international hit.

Alongside him in this flavorful journey is his wife, Luviana, who co-owns the business.

For 17 years, the duo has expertly overseen their growing empire, turning their passion for food into a global success story that rivals even Seedorf’s legendary football career.

8. Javier Zanetti & Esteban Cambiasso – El Botinero

Off the pitch, Inter Milan legends Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso have teamed up to open El Botinero, an Argentine restaurant right in the heart of Milan’s Brera district.

Sleekly designed with a sports theme, El Botinero offers diners an authentic Argentine dining experience.

With eight different breeds of cattle on its menu, this is a meat lover’s heaven.

Jerseys, shoes, and photos of Zanetti and Cambiasso’s careers decorate the walls, making this yet another appealing venue for sports lovers.

In 2020, Zanetti opened another gastronomic initiative: El Patio del Gaucho opened a South American steakhouse at the Sheraton Milano San Siro.

If not in the city center, then in the San Siro area, one will find the best Argentine food in Milan in restaurants belonging to him.

9. Leonardo Bonucci – Léve

Would it not be a crime to not see an Italian on the list, the Juventus stalwart has traded in defensive prowess for culinary panache with the opening of chic restaurant Léve in Turin.

Housed in a historic villa de Barozza, it takes its inspiration from Formentera’s famous Bocasalina.

This restaurant’s menu is by Marco de Matteis; it includes ample raw meat and fish, besides an equally large dessert selection and a typical lounge bar.

Léve is just perfect for anyone visiting Turin to have a smart gourmet experience.

10. Adrien Silva – Ospitalita Italiana

Portuguese midfielder Adrien Silva tried his hand at a restaurant serving Italian cuisine, Ospitalita Italiana in Lisbon, Portugal.

It’s in the hip neighborhood of Parque de Narcos, the restaurant has all the traditional Italian favorites, including pasta, pizza, and risotto.

Adding to the fun of dinner, the football-themed décor makes Ospitalita Italiana a sure favorite of every football fan and foodie.

Be it Lisbon for football or Lisbon for food, a visit to Ospitalita Italiana becomes a must.

Other Famous Footballers Who Own Restaurants

• Rio Ferdinand – Rosso Restaurant
• Ryan Giggs – George’s
• James Rodriguez – Leca da Palmeira waterfront
• Vincent Kompany – Good Kompany