For many years, Ronaldo and Messi took turns holding the positions of the highest paid players in the world. However, both of these stars are not the names that own the biggest assets in the football world. According to British media, this title belongs to an unlikely name. That is Mathieu Flamini, former Arsenal player.

Flamini is said to be the richest player in the world currently

Most of Flamini’s assets do not come from soccer. Since his playing days, the former French midfielder and a friend founded GF Biochemicals, the first company in the world to produce Levulinic Acid – a material that is said to be able to replace oil in the future. In recent years, this company has become increasingly successful and is valued at tens of billions of dollars.

As the person holding 60% of the company’s shares, Flamini also became a billionaire. Forbes estimates that Flamini currently owns assets of up to 12 billion USD (nearly 300 trillion VND), dozens of times more than Ronaldo and Messi.

Flamini along with his partner founded GF Biochemicals

At this time, Flamini is still focusing on business and has no intention of returning to football. However, in an interview on The Athletic, the 40-year-old former player left open the possibility of buying his old club Arsenal.

“I never forget where I made my name. In life, you never know what will happen. I am a person of strong faith. If you really desire something, God often will bring it to you”, Flamini shared about the prospect of buying Arsenal.

Flamini started playing professionally in 2003. This player once impressed in the colors of Arsenal and AC Milan. The biggest title he won was the Serie A championship in the 2010-2011 season. Flamini retired in 2019 at the age of 35.

Flamini while playing for Arsenal