Finanzfluss|12. Juli
Soccer Player Höwedes on Money, High Salaries, Agents, Saudi Arabia & More! | Finanzfluss
In this interview, Benedikt Höwedes, a 2014 World Cup winner, talks about his financial experiences as a professional soccer player, dealing with money, and the challenges after retirement.
From €250 in youth to a professional contract- Höwedes initially earned €250 in the U19, later €5,000 with his first pro contract. Today, top talents in the U19 already earn similar amounts.
- He emphasizes that young money can quickly lead to bad investments – his own "Batmobile" (an Audi with matte foil and black rims) he regretted after just a week.
- Money and status symbols play a big role in the locker room, especially for young players trying to keep up with seasoned pros.
- His advice: Stay true to yourself and don't try to play a role just because others have expensive watches or cars.
- Agents are a double-edged sword: good agents promote your career, bad ones see quick money – young pros are easy prey.
- Höwedes never paid his agent directly; the agent got his fee from the club. He advises to take your time and get multiple opinions.
- Many ex-pros fall into a hole after retirement because they don't adjust their lifestyle. Networking and further education are crucial.
- Höwedes himself studied sports management (UEFA MIP), worked for the national team and TV (Prime Video) and founded an initiative for athletes on the topic of end-of-career.
- He advocates salary caps and criticizes the high transfer fees (e.g., €150 million for a player) that "destroy the market."
- He doesn't think moves to Saudi Arabia are ideal for young players but understands the financial motivation.
- Höwedes invests broadly: stocks, real estate, company stakes (e.g., "CBOMB" – underwater sports equipment).
- He gives his children an incentive to save: if they don't spend their pocket money, they get 10% interest on the remaining amount at the end of the month.
- Learn from professional soccer: resilience, teamwork, self-reflection, and long-term financial planning (no lifestyle inflation after career end).
