Which footballers have private jets?

Have you ever wondered why world champion footballer Kylian Mbappé uses private jets? Once you’ve familiarized yourself with business jets and their advantages, the answer is simple and obvious.

This top-of-the-range means of transport offers many benefits for professional players in perpetual search of time and flexibility. But which footballers have a private jet?

What are the advantages of a private jet for a footballer?

Being a professional footballer isn’t just about playing top-level sport at national or international level. They need comfort, speed and discretion while being at the heart of important sporting and financial stakes.

These soccer jersey businessmen live with a hectic schedule and numerous professional obligations. The players must also attend training sessions and matches for their national teams and clubs. What’s more, the year is punctuated by major European competitions. They are looking for flexibility, a luxury offered by business aviation

They also have to handle player transfers between clubs and partnerships with major brands, which are often confidential due to the commercial stakes and colossal sums involved. When it comes to travel, private terminals – the preferred location for these business jets – are a definite advantage. They guarantee discretion and calm for these stars, who are often followed or even harassed by the omnipresent press and fans in search of the slightest piece of information.

These busy men make the most of every opportunity to see their loved ones and families. They can’t plan their schedule in advance, which is based on the rhythm of victories and defeats. They find out at the last minute when they have a day off.

In this context, it’s much easier to hop straight on your private plane. On a commercial flight, however, you have to plan ahead and respect strict schedules.

What category of soccer player can buy a business jet?

As in all sports, there are the athletes who win the most. These internationally renowned footballers are a small handful who can afford a private jet if they can’t hire one. The vast majority of players have other strings to their bow, being true entrepreneurs with lucrative contracts with major sports brands such as Nike or Adidas, or with luxury retailers. As a result, they have the extra budget to travel by private jet in addition to their luxury cars or yachts.

The average price of a light-size private jet is around 5 million euros. Given that the average salary of a player in Ligue 1 is €94,000, not all footballers are in a position to easily acquire a private jet.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that owning a personal aircraft represents a yearly cost in terms of maintenance, upkeep and airport fees. These costs can range from €700,000 to €4 million for the most expensive aircraft.

If you’d like to find out more about the profitability of buying a private jet, read our article on the subject.

Despite these onerous costs, a handful of soccer superstars are lucky enough to own a private jet, and we’re about to take a look at AEROAFFAIRES’ TOP 10 of these players and their aircraft.

TOP 10 footballers’ private jets

Photo credit: Instagram / Cristiano Ronaldo

N°1 – Cristiano Ronaldo and his Gulfstream G650 – 65 million euros

Cristiano Ronaldo, five-time Ballon d’Or winner and soccer legend, retains his place among the most luxurious players when it comes to private aviation.

After his stint with Juventus and his sensational return to Manchester United, the Portuguese striker, now playing for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, remains a symbol of success.

His Gulfstream G650, purchased for nearly 65 million euros, embodies aeronautical excellence. Able to accommodate up to 18 passengers in an ultra-customizable cabin, this jewel of technology offers a range of 12,000 km (or even more with optimized configurations) and a cruising speed of Mach 0.90 (around 1,000 km/h). Perfect for one match after another in Europe, Asia or elsewhere, without sacrificing comfort.

In recent years, however, Ronaldo has opted for a more flexible approach. Although he used to own his G650, he now prefers to rent it on an ad hoc basis via specialized companies. An economical and practical choice, given that a flight in a Gulfstream G650 costs between €6,000 and €12,000/hour, depending on options.

Despite this transition, the jet remains an indispensable tool for CR7, enabling him to reconcile his soccer career with business commitments and family life on a global scale.

N°2 – Lionel Messi and theEmbraer Legacy 650 – €35 million

Photo credit: Instagram / Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, soccer legend and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner (2023 inclusive), is now a player with MLS side Inter Miami CF after his historic departure from FC Barcelona in 2021 and a spell with Paris Saint-Germain. Despite his transfer to the USA, the Argentine maintains a luxurious lifestyle, including his private Embraer Legacy 650 jet, valued at 35 million euros.

Income still stratospheric

With an estimated annual salary of over 50 million euros (including partnerships and bonuses), Messi will be one of the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2024. His contracts with Adidas, Apple MLS and brands such as Hard Rock International round out his income.

The Legacy 650: luxury and performance

Acquired in 2018, this high-end Brazilian jet offers:

• Range: 7,000 km (ideal for Miami-Buenos Aires or Miami-Paris non-stop).
• Speed: 910 km/h.
• Equipment: Spacious cabin for 14 passengers, high-speed wifi, HD screens, professional kitchen and bathroom.

Messi uses it regularly to travel between the United States, Argentina (where he owns a property in Rosario) and Europe. In 2023, he travelled on board to Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) during a break in MLS, proving the usefulness of this investment.

A strategic choice

More discreet than a Boeing Business Jet, the Legacy 650 combines comfort and efficiency. Its running costs (around €5,000/hour) remain affordable for a star of his calibre, especially as Messi sometimes shares the cost with team-mates such as Sergio Busquets, also in Miami.

Note: In 2024, there are rumours of a possible replacement with a more modern Gulfstream G700, but nothing has been confirmed.

N°3 – Zlatan Ibrahimovic with Cessna Citation Longitude – 25 million euros

Photo credit: Cessna Citation

zlatan Ibrahimović, former Paris Saint-Germain icon, is a legend of world soccer. The temperamental Swede has left his mark on the history of several major clubs, including AC Milan, where he played as a striker before retiring from the sport in 2023.

During his career, he was one of the highest-paid players in the world. In 2022, his annual salary at Milan was estimated at 7.2 million euros, not counting his many lucrative commercial partnerships (Nike, Volvo, Xbox, etc.).

An aviation enthusiast, Ibrahimović owns a Cessna Citation Longitude, a top-of-the-range private jet manufactured by Textron Aviation. This latest-generation aircraft, worth around €25 million, can seat up to 12 passengers and offers a range of over 6,500 km, enabling transcontinental travel in absolute luxury.

Since his retirement, Ibrahimović has taken on a soccer advisory role with AC Milan and continues to shine in the media thanks to his unique personality.

N°4 – David Beckham – Bombardier Challenger 350 – 23 million euros

Photo credit: instagram Victoria Beckham

david Beckham, although retired from football, remains a living legend. Having made history notably during his time at Manchester United, he has been inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame. With his wife Victoria Beckham, former member of the Spice Girls and fashion entrepreneur, the couple have built a fortune estimated at over a billion euros (source: Sunday Times Rich List 2023), making them one of the world’s richest sportsmen and women.

An aviation enthusiast, Beckham acquired a Challenger 350, a top-of-the-range private jet worth around 23 million euros. This aircraft, which can accommodate a dozen passengers, is appreciated for its range (6,300 km), making it possible to fly non-stop between the two American coasts.

Recently, Beckham has also extended his empire with investments in soccer (co-owner of Inter Miami CF in MLS), luxury collaborations (partnership with Tudor Watches and Maserati), and media projects (agreement with Disney+ for a documentary series on his life).

His influence now extends beyond sport, making him a global icon.

N°5 – Paul Pogba – Gulfstream G280 – €20 million

Photo credit: instagram / Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba, world champion in 2018, remains one of France’s most popular footballers among young people. At the age of 30 (born in 1993), the midfielder has seen several recent twists and turns in his career.

After his stunning return to Manchester United in 2016, where he played for David Beckham’s former club, Pogba left the Red Devils in 2022 for a new start at Juventus Turin.

However, his time in Italy was marked by repeated injuries and a suspension for doping in 2023, putting his career on hold.

Despite these difficulties, Pogba maintains a lavish lifestyle. His annual salary, which used to be around €15 million in Manchester, has been reduced at Juventus, but he remains one of Europe’s highest-paid players. He still owns his Gulfstream G280 private jet, estimated at 20 million euros, an ultra-efficient aircraft in the super midsize category.

Capable of accommodating a dozen passengers, this jet still holds the speed record for the London-New York route in its category.

With a range of 6,600 km, Pogba can fly non-stop to most major European cities. The aircraft, renowned for its agility, can be fitted out with two luxurious living areas, offering optimum comfort on the move.

While his sporting future remains uncertain due to his suspension, Pogba continues to make his mark, as much for his past talent as for his extraordinary lifestyle.

N°6 – Neymar Jr – CESSNA citation sovereign – 20 million euros

Photo credit : Instagram / Neymar Jr

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, better known as Neymar Jr, remains one of the most talked-about and highest-paid soccer players in the world. Although he left Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 to join Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal FC, his record transfer fee of 222 million euros in 2017 remains one of the highest in soccer history.

Despite a fortune estimated at several hundred million euros, fueled by his sports contracts and numerous partnerships (Nike, Red Bull, Puma, etc.), Neymar shows a certain moderation when it comes to his private jet. He still owns a Cessna Citation Sovereign 680, a business jet renowned for its efficiency without extravagance.

Valued at around 20 million euros, this twin-engine jet offers a flight range of 3 to 6 hours and can accommodate up to 8 passengers in a classic configuration.

Although Neymar can afford a more luxurious jet (such as a Gulfstream or Bombardier Global), he prefers this model for his frequent trips between Brazil, Europe and the Middle East.

Recently, the player was also seen aboard an Embraer Legacy 450, a more modern Brazilian jet, suggesting that he may be expanding his private fleet.

N°7 – Wayne Rooney – Falcon 900LX – €18 million

Photo credit: Instagram / Wayne Rooney

wayne Rooney, formerly Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, retired from professional football in January 2021 after a brilliant career. His club career was mainly spent with Manchester United, Everton, D.C. United and Derby County (as player-coach).

After retirement, Rooney embarked on a coaching career. He managed Derby County (2020-2022), D.C. United (2022-2023) and, since October 2023, has been Birmingham City’s coach in the Championship (English D2).

His choice of private jet: the Dassault Falcon 900 LX

Rooney, like many soccer stars, owns a private jet for his travels. He opted for the Falcon 900 LX from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation, an aircraft renowned for :

• Range: 8,800 km (capable of flying non-stop from London to New York).
• Comfort: spacious cabin for 12 to 14 passengers.
• Safety: Tri-engine, offering superior reliability.
• Price: Estimated between 30 and 35 million euros (new).

This jet enables him to travel rapidly between England and the United States, where he previously trained.

N°8 – Gareth bale – CESSNA citation XLS+ – 8 million euros

Photo credit: Instagram / Gareth Bale

gareth Bale is a Welsh soccer legend, famous for his powerful strikes, incredible pace and performances for club and country. After making his mark on the history of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Real Madrid, he retires from football in January 2023.

Recognized by his team-mates as a sympathetic and generous player, Bale notably contributed to providing memorable moments for Welsh soccer, qualifying his country for the 2022 World Cup – a first since 1958.

In 2019, his annual salary at Tottenham stood at €15 million. Later, at Real Madrid, he was one of the world’s highest-paid players.

A great aviation enthusiast, Gareth Bale has opted for a Citation XLS+, a midsize jet valued at 8 million euros. Capable of traveling 3,100 km at 800 km/h, this luxurious aircraft features a mini-bar and on-board telecommunications.

Since retiring, Bale has devoted himself to his family, golf and philanthropic projects, while enjoying his passion for travel.

N°9 – Ricardo Kaká – Embraer phenom 100 – 3.2 million euros

Photo credit : instagram / Ricardo kaká

brazilian soccer legend Ricardo Kaká takes ninth place in this ranking. With an estimated fortune of 100 million euros, the former 2007 Ballon d’Or winner continues to shine, as much for his sporting heritage as for his elegant choices in private aviation.

True to his origins, Kaká has opted for Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer and its Phenom 100 model, a jewel of technology and refinement.

This ultra-light private jet combines performance and comfort, with a spacious cabin bathed in natural light thanks to its large windows. Its ergonomic, luxurious interior makes it ideal for both business trips and private getaways.

With a range of 2,180 km and a cruising speed of 722 km/h, the Phenom 100 offers fast, efficient travel, perfect for a globetrotter like Kaká. As a bonus, its vast luggage compartment (2.62 m³) offers generous space for sports equipment or travel luggage.

A choice that combines patriotism, elegance and performance – all the spirit of the player who delighted AC Milan and Real Madrid.

N°10 – Ronaldinho – Embraer phenom 100 – 2.6 million

ronaldinho remains one of Brazil’s most iconic players, famous for his incredible technique and joyful style of play. With an estimated fortune of 80 million euros, the former Ballon d’Or winner has enjoyed an exceptional career, notably with PSG, FC Barcelona (where he won the Champions League) and AC Milan.

True to his love of luxury, Ronaldinho owns a private Embraer Phenom 100 jet, valued at 2.6 million euros, which he uses to travel between Brazil, Europe and his international commitments. This aeronautical jewel reflects his taste for the pleasures of life, just like his many legendary parties and his collection of luxury cars.

Like Kaká, he shows great pride in Brazil, often sporting outfits inspired by his compatriot, albeit with less formality – a “Ronaldinho” touch of spontaneity and casual elegance.

In recent years, despite rumors of financial difficulties, he has remained a fixture on the footballing scene, taking part in charity matches, VIP events and entrepreneurial projects, perpetuating his legend.

Other footballers who own a private jet

Karim Benzema’s private jet

french soccer icon Karim Benzema has also succumbed to the charms and benefits of private jets. He owns a Gulfstream G650, a top-of-the-range model from the American aircraft manufacturer Gulfstream, also chosen by other stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo.

This business jet is one of the most efficient in the world, capable of flying non-stop from Paris to Los Angeles, thanks to an impressive range of 13,840 km.

Benzema, the emblematic center-forward who made Real Madrid history before joining Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad in 2023, regularly uses his private jet to travel between Europe, the Middle East and other destinations.

The G650 enables him to travel quickly and in absolute luxury, with a modular cabin that can accommodate up to 13 passengers. The customizable interior layout often includes seats that can be converted into beds, a dining area and even a bathroom.

The cost of a new Gulfstream G650 is around 65 million euros, not including maintenance, personnel and fuel costs, which can run into millions a year. Benzema has also occasionally opted to lease a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), a VIP version of the Boeing 737 offering even more space and luxury for long group trips.

In recent years, Benzema has been spotted using his jet for trips between Riyadh, Madrid and Lyon, where he retains many ties. His use of private jets underlines both his status as a global superstar and the need to reconcile demanding sporting performances with a private life.

Samuel Eto’o’s private jet

Samuel Eto’o, Cameroonian soccer legend and former star of FC Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, has led a lavish lifestyle since his sporting retirement.

Among his most remarkable acquisitions is a luxury private jet, a Gulfstream G650, one of the world’s most powerful and prestigious aircraft. Estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars, this aeronautical jewel has a flight range of around 13,000 km, enabling Eto’o to fly non-stop to his various residences around the globe.

In addition to his jet, the former striker has considerably diversified his assets. He owns several exceptional properties, including castles in Italy, Spain and England, as well as investments in prestigious real estate in Africa. Eto’o is also involved in a number of entrepreneurial projects, notably in new technologies and renewable energies, while remaining very active in the world of soccer as President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT).

His fortune, estimated at over 100 million dollars, testifies to his success both on the pitch and in business. The Gulfstream G650 symbolizes the luxury and mobility of a man who continues to mark his era, far beyond sport.

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