Super Eagles striker and Bayer Leverkusen forward, Victor Boniface, has revealed that contrary to popular belief, most footballers are not as wealthy as people assume.
Speaking candidly on a recent episode of The Culture League Podcast, alongside teammate Frank Onyeka and actress Jemima Osunde, Boniface explained that the financial pressures on footballers go beyond what fans see on the surface.
“A lot of people think we’re rich, but there’s no money in football. I will explain,” he said.
He emphasized that unlike other industries where individuals can work and thrive well into their later years, footballers have a short window to earn due to the physical nature of the sport.
“In the film industry, you can work at the age of 35, you can even get your breakthrough at 40. But with football, at the age of 35, you are done. Then you have to face real life.”
When Osunde pointed out that footballers often begin their careers early, Boniface agreed but clarified that success must come fast or not at all.
“Yeah, but if you don’t get it before 25, 26, then forget it. But with movies and other professions, you can come into the scene at old age…”
He also addressed the heavy financial responsibilities that come with fame and fortune, saying footballers often spend large amounts assisting both family and strangers.
“That’s where you got it wrong,” he said in response to Jemima’s suggestion that just five years of good football pay could change one’s life.
“You will spend more also. You will assist family and even outsiders. If you’re travelling, you have to keep money for tipping.”
