Recently, the footballing world has been witness to intense legal battles surrounding the wills and inheritances of iconic players who have left significant wealth behind. From Sir Bobby Charlton to Pele to Trevor Francis, the off-field lives of these legends have come under scrutiny as their estates are divided posthumously.
Diego Maradona, the Argentine icon known for his brilliance on the pitch and controversial personal life, left behind a complex financial situation following his death in 2020. With no will in place, his estate became embroiled in legal battles among at least eight children from different women, each vying for a share of his assets. Estimates of his net worth varied widely, ranging from a modest sum to as much as £60-80 million, including properties, luxury cars, and valuable image rights deals.
Pele, the legendary Brazilian footballer who passed away in December 2022, left behind riches estimated at £12 million. His will designated portions of his estate to his widow, acknowledged children, and grandchildren. However, a claim by Maria do Socorro Azevedo, alleging she is Pele’s unacknowledged eighth child, added a layer of complexity to the inheritance process, leading to a request for a DNA test to validate her lineage.
In contrast, Sir Bobby Charlton, the Manchester United legend who passed away in October 2023, left a clear-cut will totaling £631k to his wife. Charlton’s distinguished career, marked by triumphs and tragedies both on and off the pitch, culminated in a legacy that reflected his principled nature. His estate was entrusted to his wife, Lady Norma Charlton, with his daughters named as trustees, exemplifying the straightforward nature of his final wishes.
Trevor Francis, another footballing great who passed away in July 2024, amended his will in 2019 to exclude his estranged sons and leave his estate to his siblings. The reasons behind the family disagreement remain private, but it underscored the complexities that can arise in dividing assets posthumously. Francis, known for his impactful career on the field and in management, left behind a legacy that reflected his personal circumstances.
Joe Kinnear, the former Tottenham player and Newcastle manager who succumbed to dementia linked to his football career, left an estate worth £833k to his wife following his death in April 2024. His family highlighted the issue of brain injuries in football, advocating for player protection and raising awareness of the impacts of heading the ball during matches.
John Motson, the esteemed football commentator known as “Motty,” who passed away at the age of 77, left behind an estate valued at £488k. With a career spanning over five decades and encompassing numerous iconic matches and tournaments, Motson’s legacy in the football community remains undeniable, reflecting his profound impact on sports broadcasting.
These stories of footballers’ wills highlight the intricacies of wealth, inheritance, and legacy in the world of sports. As these iconic figures pass away, their estates become focal points of legal battles, familial disputes, and reflections of their off-field lives. The complexities that emerge in dividing assets posthumously serve as reminders of the intricate webs that connect fame, fortune, and personal relationships in the footballing world.