Lukas Podolski: A Look at How Ex Arsenal Star Amassed $225 Million Net Worth

• Lukas Podolski thrives in other businesses outside of football
• The German has amassed a net worth of $225 million dollars
• At 38, he plays in his native Poland for FC Gornik Zabrze

Former Arsenal man Lukas Podolski is the perfect example of how one can succeed in different areas of life despite being in the limelight.

The 38-year-old is the proud owner of a successful Kebab empire in Germany, and this is all thanks to his enterprising mind.

Known to have one of the most potent left-foot shots in his prime, Podolski not only thrived in his professional football career but also set himself up for life after hanging up his boots.

As reported by Give Me Sport, Podolski has a net worth of $225 million, and Sports Brief explores how that came to be.

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Moving to Germany

Born in Poland, Podolski moved to Germany as a child, and that is where his footballing story starts.

He joined FC Koln at age 10 and made his professional debut on November 22 2003. After three years at the club, he moved to Bayern Munich, where he stayed from 2006-2009 before returning to his beloved FC Koln.

Ice cream shop and Kebab ventures

Now back in Koln, Podolski dipped his toes in business for the first time, opening a clothing store.

In 2017, he started an Ice Cream brand in the Belgian district of Cologne and a year later, the former Arsenal man launched the Mangal Doner kebab shop. The outlet now has 30 branches across Germany.

Notably, his venture into the kebab business came just after he had stints with Arsenal, Inter and Galatasaray and was getting paid handsomely as a highly-rated football player. In fact, during his time at the Emirates, he was one of the club’s highest earners, making upwards of £100,000 per week.

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In an interview with German magazine 11 Freunde, Podolski explained his business mindset, saying:

“Other folks head to the golfing course after training, and just hang around there all day long. I sell ice cream, Kebab and clothing, have fun and everyone can take something home.”

“I back this project 100%, and will help where I can help. I want to continue developing this project. I always put my foot to the floor!”

His Kebab shop recently opened a new branch in Berlin, and it is showing no signs of slowing down.

Cristiano expands business empire

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on Cristiano Ronaldo’s business ventures as he recently expanded his restaurant business to Mexico.

Ronaldo is not exploring this venture alone, however, he has collaborated with tennis legend, Rafael Nadal, as the duo own the renowned Mabel Hospitality Group.

The group’s primary service is providing an exquisite culinary experience with live music at very unique locations around the world.