Wes Brown of Manchester United’s 2008 Champions League Squad Faces Bankruptcy
It is often assumed that a player with five Premier League titles and two Champions League medals should be financially secure. However, former Manchester United player Wes Brown found this is not always the case.
Fans were shocked when the 23-cap former England international filed for bankruptcy in 2023. He played an essential role during Sir Alex Ferguson’s iconic teams, including assisting Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea.
A combination of unwise investments and a lack of financial guidance led Brown into financial struggles, despite earning £50,000 weekly during his career. After retiring, he found himself in dire financial straits.
At 46 years old, Brown has since stabilized his financial situation and has been candid about his struggles. He highlighted that his subsequent broadcasting work and other ventures helped him recover from what he described as “a tough ride.”
Brown voiced his relief in a November 2024 interview with William Hill, noting, “I’m just moving forward with everything sorted now.” His experience has also led him to focus on financial education for athletes, emphasizing lessons learned from his own difficulties.
The issues Brown faced are not unique; many athletes struggle financially after retirement. Notably, Liverpool legend John Barnes has been through multiple bankruptcy proceedings, illustrating a broader issue within the sports community.
