Revealed: the multi-million pound investments of England’s Euro Squad

Gareth Southgate has unveiled his 33-man preliminary squad for June’s UEFA Euros 2024. There are some notable omissions, and – if chosen – many names will make their Three Lions debut. Outside of their footballing day job, however, some are also secret angel investors.

Premier league footballers are among the highest-paid employees in the UK, so it’s no surprise that plenty of those chosen also boast impressive investment portfolios. Most pour their money into property or fast cars, splashing their spoils across the tabloids.

But some football stars are cannier. They use their millions to gain angel investor status, and choose to invest in fast-growth startups. Below, we’ve listed the sports stars who know a great pitch when they see one.

1. Harry Kane

England’s captain also leads his team when it comes to investments. According to this year’s Sunday Times Rich List, the ex-Tottenham striker now has an estimated net worth of £109.6m; more than £10m of which comes from his company, HK28 Limited.

Through the business, Kane has invested in no fewer than five fast-growing startups. That includes the Startups-100 listed company, Bio&Me, which closed a £1.4m funding round in 2022. The stake means Kane is now a major shareholder at the business.

Kane has also poured money into fitness startup, OxeFit, bone broth food brand, Freja, and the US-based indoor “soccer” operator, Toca Football. He also became the lead investor and brand ambassador for golf wear brand, Reflo earlier this year.

2. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool FC player, Alexander-Arnold earned around £180k a week in the last Premier League season and the club is so desperate to keep him, they’re reportedly promising him the highest salary for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

The midfielder can add that jackpot to his blossoming portfolio. So far, his most high-profile investment has been in the Alpine Formula 1 Team, which is also backed by the Hollywood actor, celebrity alcohol brand investor, and Wrexham FC co-owner, Ryan Reynolds. But he’s not just funding the big guns.

Alexander-Arnold also has a stake in APEX, an investment manager that has so far financed three startup firms. These include nutrition platform, Hexis, athlete profiling tool, Traits, and virtual fan engagement platform, VRTL.

3. John Stones

Manchester City centre back, John Stones has been on the bench for much of the last Premier League season. Judging by his VC record, though, he’s put that time to good use. 

What is it with Premier League players and golf? According to Bloomberg, Stones has used his significant net worth of £55m to invest in a San Francisco team competing in ‘TGL’, a new indoor golf league created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. 

Likely, this will be the first of many future funding moves for Stones, who is now the second-highest-paid defender in the Premier League.

4. Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins is believed to have netted around £40m in 2024 from his football salary. And, while his colleagues put their wages into sports startups, we’re thrilled to see Watkins investing in his own, personal interest: trainers.

Last year, Watkins became one of a number of individuals to fund fast-growing premium trainer brand, The Edit LDN. The company, which already sells in Harrods, has previously raised £3.9m in capital to expand into North America and the Middle East.

Commenting on the decision, Watkins told The Edit LDN: “I’ve always had an interest in sneaker culture, and joining forces with The Edit LDN feels like a natural step.” Let’s hope he puts his best foot forward at England’s first match as well.

Who missed out?

When the England team begin their traditional lip syncing of the national anthem on June 16, some key faces (and investors) will be missing from the line-up. Here are the investment portfolios of those talented players who didn’t make this year’s squad:

• Marcus Rashford

The Manchester United star and activist has struggled for form this year, but his investments have netted him better success. Rashford backed tech firm Therabody, which makes massage therapy guns, back in 2021. Therabody was named a TIME100 business last year.

• Raheem Sterling

We’ll applaud the Chelsea winger for his bolder VC bets – although they have so far been off target. Last year, Sterling became a minority shareholder in the UK’s first online supermarket for African and Caribbean goods, Oja. Sadly, Oja folded five months later due to debt problems.

Think your business idea could win over the England team? Read our expert guide on how to attract an angel investor.