Austria-based Nigerian footballer John Ejoor has called for structured financial education for young footballers, warning that many African players are unprepared for the sudden wealth and fame that come with professional careers.
Ejoor, who plays for ATSV Wolfsberg in Austria, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to him, many Nigerian footballers begin playing the sport as a hobby rather than with the mindset of building a professional career, leaving them without the financial discipline needed to manage their earnings when success comes.
He stressed that because football offers only a short playing career, proper financial planning is essential to ensure a comfortable life after retirement.
“Football is a very short-term career, but life after football is the hardest. You cannot depend only on your salary or the money in your bank account. You have to plan for life beyond the game,” he said.
Ejoor noted that many African footballers suddenly find themselves earning substantial incomes without first receiving adequate financial education.
He contrasted this with many European players, who often grow up within structured football development systems that expose them to financial literacy and career planning from an early stage.
“Most African players don’t start football as a profession. By the time they realise it is a career, they are already exposed to money and fame without having the financial discipline to manage them,” he said.
He argued that financial education should begin long before young players sign professional contracts, adding that parents also have a crucial role to play in teaching values and responsible money management.
“There should be a structured system at the grassroots that teaches young players how to think about money, even before they become professionals,” he said.
The footballer also advised athletes against making investments in unfamiliar businesses simply because they were recommended by others.
“Wherever your money goes, your knowledge should follow. Do not invest in businesses you know nothing about simply because someone recommends them,” he cautioned.
Ejoor encouraged footballers to invest in relationships within the sports industry, saying strong professional networks often create opportunities after retirement.
“One of the best investments is people. Build relationships within your profession because such can create opportunities long after your playing days are over,” he said.
He further warned players against living extravagant lifestyles driven by peer pressure, noting that maintaining such spending habits after retirement, injury or unemployment could become difficult.
“You shouldn’t live above your means. Build a lifestyle you can sustain even when football is over, or when you are injured or without a club,” he advised.
According to Ejoor, many footballers are unfairly criticised for poor financial decisions without considering the dramatic life changes they experience after securing professional contracts abroad.
“Someone who has never handled significant money before can suddenly earn thousands of euros monthly, and without guidance, mistakes are almost inevitable.
“But it is never too late to make better financial decisions,” he added.
Source:NAN
