10 famous football players who own restaurants behind the fame

10 famous football players who own restaurants have successfully transitioned from scoring goals on the pitch to serving gourmet dishes in the culinary world. Let's join soccerwayuk to dive deep into the names of the stars leading prestigious restaurants as well as update other related information.

Exploring the Culinary Ventures of 10 Famous Football Players Who Own Restaurants

The transition from the football pitch to the high-end culinary industry has become a popular trend for global icons looking to diversify their personal brands. For fans who enjoy tracking the lives of their idols both on and off the field, visiting a comprehensive sports database like soccerwayuk.com offers the perfect way to stay updated on player statistics and career milestones. 

N10: Alessandro Del Piero

During his legendary playing days, Alessandro Del Piero was the quintessential number 10, a role that inspired the name of his successful restaurant venture, N10. Originally established in Milan, the brand expanded internationally to Los Angeles, where Del Piero now resides and manages the business with the same precision he showed on the field. 

Del Piero has a knack for running restaurants

VIP: Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi’s journey into the restaurant world has seen both challenges and triumphs, starting with the closure of his ambitious Barcelona project, Bella del Jardin del Norte. However, he found massive success in his hometown of Rosario with VIP, a vibrant establishment that remains packed from morning until late at night. The restaurant features a popular bar where locals gather to enjoy meals while watching live broadcasts of Messi’s matches, creating a unique communal bond with his supporters.

The Londoner Macao: David Beckham

In March of this year, the prestigious resort and culinary complex The Londoner Macao officially opened, instantly becoming a premier destination for luxury seekers in the region. This massive project was born from a high-powered partnership between David Beckham and the world-renowned "Chef of Kings," Gordon Ramsay. Even before tasting the menu, many visitors flocked to the venue, confident that the combined global brands of Beckham and Ramsay guaranteed an unparalleled standard of quality.

Babbo: Willian and David Luiz

Rather than partnering with a professional chef, the Brazilian duo Willian and David Luiz invested together in the Mayfair-based restaurant Babbo to celebrate their long-standing brotherhood. Despite their South American roots, the pair’s decision to specialize in high-end Italian cuisine has sparked significant public curiosity, successfully drawing in both fellow footballers and tourists.

Willian and Luiz are teaming up to open the Babbo restaurant

Finger’s: Clarence Seedorf

Clarence Seedorf, a legend who played for Ajax and AC Milan, surprised many by opening Finger’s in Milan, a restaurant that deviates from his Dutch and Surinamese heritage. The establishment focuses primarily on Japanese-Brazilian fusion, serving exquisite sushi and sashimi alongside vibrant South American flavors. This unique culinary direction likely stems from Seedorf’s time playing in Brazil and his long-standing personal passion for the elegance of Japanese cooking.

Rosso: Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand was a pioneer among modern footballers in the hospitality sector, launching Rosso in Manchester to immediate and sustained critical acclaim. In 2016, the restaurant achieved a rare double victory at the British Food Awards, winning both "Restaurant of the Year" and "Best Restaurant in the North West." Beyond being a favorite spot for Manchester United stars, Rosso is celebrated for its elite Italian menu and an exceptional wine cellar that serves as a benchmark for luxury dining.

Zela: Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo approached the restaurant business with a powerhouse investment strategy, collaborating with a diverse group of A-list celebrities rather than going solo. His restaurant, Zela, located in London, was funded by a star-studded syndicate including tennis legend Rafael Nadal, singer Enrique Iglesias, and basketball icon Pau Gasol. This diverse ownership group has helped Zela become a global lifestyle brand, blending a high-energy atmosphere with a sophisticated fusion of Mediterranean and Asian flavors.

Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t sitting on the sidelines when it comes to opening restaurants

Ospitalità Italiana: Adrien Silva

The Portuguese midfielder Adrien Silva chose to give back to his home country by opening Ospitalità Italiana in the modern Parque das Nações district of Lisbon. The restaurant specializes in traditional Italian staples like artisanal pizza and pasta, reflecting Silva’s personal tastes developed during his career travels across Europe. The interior serves as a shrine to his professional life, decorated with memorabilia and jerseys from his time at Leicester City and Monaco, making it a must-visit for football fans.

George’s: Ryan Giggs

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs expanded his business empire beyond his hotel projects by opening George’s, a dining destination that stands out for its classic, old-world charm. Unlike the modern aesthetic of his peers’ ventures, George’s features a traditional British atmosphere and a menu focused on refined UK comfort food and expertly crafted cocktails. The restaurant provides a sophisticated space for diners to enjoy a high-quality meal while surrounded by subtle nods to the rich heritage of British sporting culture.

Chalito: Luis Suarez

Following his teammates' entrepreneurial lead, Luis Suarez opened Chalito in a prime location on the Rambla de Catalunya in the heart of Barcelona. The restaurant focuses on a "homemade" philosophy, meticulously crafting a menu that offers diners a cozy, domestic atmosphere rather than the rushed experience typical of city-center fast food.

Top 10 famous football players who own restaurants: 

N10: Alessandro Del Piero

VIP: Lionel Messi

The Londoner Macao: David Beckham

Babbo: Willian and David Luiz

Finger’s: Clarence Seedorf

Rosso: Rio Ferdinand

Zela: Cristiano Ronaldo

Ospitalità Italiana: Adrien Silva

George’s: Ryan Giggs

Chalito: Luis Suarez

10 famous football players who own restaurants highlight a growing trend of athletes diversifying their portfolios through the hospitality industry. If you want to see if their winning streak continues on the field, don't forget to check out the prediction section of our website for the latest match forecasts and expert analysis.