Soccer players inspire devoted fans around the world, so it’s no surprise that many are curious about where their favorite stars live. Although some players are free to spill where they live, others project their private lives as private.
Players who are in the public eye all the time aren’t new to this level of withholding.
In today’s piece, we look at how soccer players pick their homes.
While many experienced players buy properties close to their club’s base, younger players or those on loan tend to rent houses in proximity to training facilities.
So, without further ado, let’s get to it.
Do Soccer Players Buy or Rent Their Homes?
The world of soccer is not just a game — it’s a profession, one that pays unbelievably well. With very lucrative sponsorship, good ticket sales, and good media coverage, clubs make a lot of money, which they use in paying a lot to their players.
And with such financial support, most players buy houses near their club or nearer to family, often out of necessity. So their lifestyles may be lavish, their properties extravagant, but the main reason for buying a home is still very much sensible — to be close to their workplace.
Some soccer stars have specific preferences regarding location, for the most part.
Where Soccer Players Live?
Soccer players, when deciding where to live, have a few important priorities: privacy, luxury, and proximity to their team’s training facilities.
Let’s parse through some of the biggest leagues and cities around the world.
Premier League Players: High Life in England
If you’re a Premier League soccer player, chances are you reside in some of England’s richest real estate. Think Cheshire (just outside Manchester) or London’s posh suburbs (think Hampstead, Kensington and Surrey).
- Cheshire: The north-west’s preferred haunt for Manchester United and Manchester City players, Why? It’s near the training grounds, has beautiful countryside views and features some of the most poshest homes in the UK. Just think about it: big mansions with gated entries, tennis courts, and enough acreage to feel like a king. Cheshire has been home to players such as Cristiano Ronaldo (in his Manchester United days) and Wayne Rooney.
- London: Players based in the capital — Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham stars — live in neither the canaries nor salt mines of the urban jungle, and their blends of sophistication and rustic charm. Neighborhoods like Hampstead and Kensington are favored for their glamorous properties and the proximity to the city’s top restaurants, shops and nightlife. Thierry Henry, for example, resided in Hampstead during his Arsenal career.
La Liga Stars: Spanish Sunshine & Style
Soccer players in Spain flock to the flash of Madrid and Barcelona. These cities provide a perfect mix of culture, nightlife, and of course amazing weather.
- Madrid: Players for Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are frequently residents of gated communities like La Finca or Pozuelo de Alarcón. These localities are home to modern villas, privacy, and are located near training facilities. Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos have each owned property in La Finca, a gated community that is the who’s who of Spanish soccer.
- Barcelona: Barcelona players meanwhile often find themselves settling in places like Castelldefels or Gavà Mar, both of which are beachside and boast spectacular views of the Mediterranean. A famous resident in Castelldefels during his stay in Barça was Lionel Messi. He lived in a mansion that had a private pitch, swimming pool, even a mini soccer field available for his children.
Serie A: Italian Elegance and History
Italy’s Serie A has a long rich history and passionate followers, and its players reside in some equally historic and elegant places.
- Milan: Players for AC Milan and Inter Milan tend to live in the wealthy suburbs of Como or Monza, both a short drive away from the city. These are areas recognized for their beautiful lakeside villas and quaint ambient. Zlatan Ibrahimović, to take one example, during his spell at AC Milan resided in an exquisite villa in Como.
- Turin: Juventus players, on the other hand, tend to live in the hills surrounding Turin, where they can enjoy breathtaking views of the Alps. Cristiano Ronaldo, during his Juventus stint, lived in a luxurious apartment in the city center but also owned a countryside villa for those quieter moments.
Bundesliga: Efficiency and Luxury in One Package
Bundesliga players in Germany often live in wealthy suburbs of the cities where their team is based and near their team’s training ground. Cities such as Munich and Dortmund provide an urban suburbia.
- Munich: Bayern Munich players are known to live in areas like Grünwald, a suburb that’s home to some of the most expensive real estate in Germany. Think modern mansions with sleek designs and all the latest tech. Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer are just a couple of the stars who call Grünwald home.
- Dortmund: While Borussia Dortmund’s players tend to live in more subdued locations such as Holzwickede, which provides a calm lifestyle while being in proximity to the city and training ground.
MLS: Stateside Splendor
Over in the United States, we often hear that Major League Soccer (MLS) players reside in some pretty posh neighborhoods, particularly in places like Los Angeles, Miami and New York.
- Los Angeles: Players for the LA Galaxy and LAFC often live in enclaves such as Beverly Hills, Bel Air or Calabasas. These are the neighborhoods that hit the trifecta to offer privacy, luxury, and sunshine. While Beckham played with the Galaxy, he resided in a beautiful Airbnb-style home in Beverly Hills.
- Miami: The kind of waterfront property that attracts Inter Miami players, such as Lionel Messi. Imagine modern condos with ocean views and their own docks for yachts. Messi’s home in Miami is thought to be an expansive estate in the upscale Coconut Grove area.
SEE ALSO | The Cost of Building Soccer Stadiums
Do Soccer Players Live In The City They Play For?
Sometimes, in soccer, players can move from one team to another in a second. And when that happens, they’re expected to be settled and ready to play within days.
Which means — finding a place to stay is a big factor. All teams have an officer on board, designated as Player Liaison Officer.
Other soccer teams have several people who act as Player Liaison Officers who’re tasked with locating a property to rent or a hotel to live in while things are sorted out.
However, every soccer player is unique. And some joining a new soccer team could stick around for just a few months.
Then, in that case, it doesn’t make any sense to buy a home as it’d be a problem at some point to sell it. Therefore, some players feel that there’s nothing wrong with spending a couple of months in a hotel.
As you can notice, different players pick different housing solutions for different reasons. I would also like to mention that some players don’t want to reveal their living location because of their public profile.
Which means they require a safe space to be able to chill and enjoy their day without the public eye. To further safeguard their location against robbers and burglars, they also remain anonymous about their whereabouts.
Earning so much money and being famous makes sports stars’ homes a target for people who steal for a living. This is why most players and other celebrities reside in only exclusive parts of cities to have some type of security for their properties.
After all, they’re just regular people like you.
Meaning, they want to have a normal life and relax without worrying about paparazzi, burglars, or crazy fans stalking their houses.
In interviews, some players disclosed that they want their normal life back so they can freely hang out with their friends and family members without being constantly harassed.
Where Do Established And Older Players Reside?
There are a few reasons that older and established players usually think long-term when it comes to housing. For example, they’ve already made some good profit and began saving to the place of maybe being a little more diverse with different ideas and exploring different housing options.
Plus, a lot of old-timers already have a partner, possibly, children. Which means, the odds of buying a permanent home is higher than renting expensive houses.
And those who may not live in the same city in which they play will typically have their entire family home for the season. Maybe they have children that go to school and they’d like to offer some measure of normalcy.
Some of them do return at some point during the season, but they may have an additional rental to stay nearby.
As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all housing solution. It all mostly relies on the financial scenario.
SEE ALSO | 10 Footballers Who Own Restaurants
Why Do Some Players Live Away From Their Soccer Clubs?
The vast majority of players make very good money, meaning that they can afford to live wherever they want in the world. What’s most confusing is players who live somewhere with no connection to playing or growing up.
What is the rationale for this kind of move? Well, some players live far from their hometown and much further from their clubs. They want to live in a particular place because they love it.
For example, living on the beach in Miami may not be so viable for a European soccer player, but he likes what the area looks like.
The other reason is to do with tax. As soccer players earn tons of money, they also have to pay taxes where they live. Others will seek out Monte Carlo, one of Europe’s great tax havens. In the US, states without a state income tax include Texas and Florida.
They do still pay a lot of taxes because they have to pay in every jurisdiction where they made money. Yet it’s all the better to live where taxes are lower and save the money, even if it’s tougher to access.
SEE ALSO | How Old Do You Have to Be to Retire from Soccer?
What’s Inside a Soccer Player’s Home?
Now that we’ve teased where soccer players live, let’s discuss what their abodes are like on the interior. Spoiler alert: they’re not your ordinary IKEA-filled homes.
Luxury Amenities: We’re talking home theatres, wine cellars, indoor pools, and even private gyms. Some players, like Neymar, have gone as far as installing mini soccer pitches or basketball courts in their backyards.
High-Tech Everything: Smart homes are a must for soccer players. Think voice-controlled lighting, security systems, and even temperature control. Some players have taken it a step further by adding high-tech entertainment systems, like virtual reality setups or gaming rooms.
Art and Design: Many soccer players have a keen eye for design and invest heavily in art and interior decor. Cristiano Ronaldo’s homes, for example, are known for their sleek, modern designs and curated art collections.
Family-Friendly Spaces: For players with families, their homes often include kid-friendly features like playrooms, treehouses, or even mini amusement parks. Lionel Messi’s home in Castelldefels, for instance, has a dedicated play area for his children.
