Former England rugby star and Six Nations winner, Ben Foden, has recently made a major career change by transitioning into the world of real estate. Foden, who was part of the England team that secured victory in the Six Nations and also clinched the Premiership title during his rugby career, has now donned the hat of an estate agent operating in New York. The retired full-back, who represented England in 34 matches and scored seven tries, was a key player in the 2011 Six Nations triumph over Wales and later secured the Premiership title with Northampton Saints in 2014.
After bidding adieu to English rugby and moving to Major League Rugby in 2019, Foden resettled in the United States with his family. Despite retiring from professional rugby in 2022, Foden maintains a lavish lifestyle in New York, leveraging his expertise in the property market. According to reports from The Sun via The Mirror, Foden’s net worth was estimated at £5.1 million around the time of his retirement. While his earnings post-retirement from rugby may have decreased, his new career in real estate is likely helping him sustain his affluent lifestyle.
Apart from his successes on the rugby field, Foden also explored the world of reality TV, participating in shows like ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and ‘The X-Factor: Celebrity’. In 2018, he made it to the semi-finals of ‘The X-Factor: Celebrity’ with his group Try Star. Foden is currently associated with Douglas Elliman, a prestigious real estate group based in New York, known for dealing with luxury properties exceeding the £1 million mark. His team recently rented out a lavish five-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn for a monthly rent of £13,500.
Acknowledging his shift in career, Foden expressed humility upon being nominated for an award in 2024 in his new profession. Despite the accolades, he noted that the feeling was somewhat different from the thrill of winning championships or cup finals in sports. Foden emphasised the importance of striving for excellence every day and embracing the learning process, indicating his positive outlook towards the future.
Ben Foden’s personal life also saw changes over the years, transitioning from his previous marriage to Una Healy of The Saturdays to his current marriage with Jackie Smith. The couple shares two daughters, and Jackie runs her own aromatherapy business called The Goddess Line. Foden’s journey from a successful rugby career to establishing himself as a real estate agent showcases his adaptability and determination to excel in diverse fields, embodying a spirit of continuous growth and learning.
This remarkable career shift by Ben Foden underlines the versatility and resilience of sports personalities in exploring new avenues post-retirement. His success on the rugby field has now paved the way for a thriving career in the competitive real estate market of New York. As Foden continues to navigate this new chapter in his professional life, his dedication to excellence and willingness to embrace challenges stand as shining examples for aspiring athletes and professionals alike.