Eric Cantona’s net worth has continued to grow long after the end of his football career, which included spells at several major clubs, most notably Manchester United.
Widely regarded as one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in football history, Cantona is fondly known as “The King” by the Old Trafford faithful. His impact on the pitch was iconic, helping to define an era at Manchester United and leaving a legacy that extends far beyond trophies.
Unlike many of his contemporaries who moved into coaching or punditry after retirement, Cantona chose a different path. He reinvented himself through cinema, art, and high-profile commercial endorsements, building a successful post-football career that has kept him in the public eye.
As a result of these ventures and his enduring global appeal, Eric Cantona’s net worth is estimated to be $30m(£22.5m).
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Eric Cantona Biography
He was born on May 24, 1966, in Marseille, France. Eric Daniel Pierre Cantona grew up in a family of modest means.
His father’s name is Albert Cantona. He was a nurse and a painter. His paternal grandfather, Joseph, was an Italian immigrant who moved to Marseille from Sardinia.
His mother’s name is Éléonore Raurich. She was a dressmaker. She was of Spanish descent, specifically from Barcelona.
Eric’s maternal grandfather was a Catalan partisan who fled to France after being injured during the Spanish Civil War.
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The legendary football player grew up with two brothers who played a massive part in his career. His siblings’ names are Jane-Marie and Joël Cantona whom they all shared a life together from childhood.
His parents made so many sacrifices and confident decisions that helped Cantona. His footballing journey began at AJ Auxerre, where he made his professional debut in 1983.
Even in his youth, Cantona was a paradox player of immense technical ability and vision, but possessed of a fiery temper that often led to disciplinary clashes.
After stints at Marseille, Bordeaux, and Montpellier, Cantona moved to England in 1992, initially joining Leeds United. He announced himself as a top target across Europe, where he continued playing.
He helped Leeds win the final First Division title before the inception of the Premier League. However, it was his £1.2 million transfer to Manchester United in November 1992 that changed the course of football history.
Eric Cantona’s net worth experienced tremendous growth and improvement immediately he turned into a professional player from an early age, which also led to the Manchester United move.
Manchester United Salary And Nike Deals
While today’s Premier League stars earn upwards of £300,000 per week, the financial landscape of the 1990s was vastly different and much lower than what is seen presently.
However, for Cantona, he was one of the highest-paid athletes in the world when he moved to Old Trafford. When he signed for Manchester United, he was initially on a weekly wage of approximately £10,000.
By the time he retired as a football player in 1997, his salary had doubled to roughly £20,000 per week, which was over £1 million annually.
While these figures seem modest today, they made him the highest-paid player in the Premier League during the 1994-95 season, setting the standard for the commercial explosion of English football.
Cantona’s true wealth-building began with his commercial appeal after becoming the face of Nike’s Joga Bonito and Good vs. Evil campaigns. His upturned collar became a global fashion trend, and Nike capitalized on his rebellious image.
The famous 1994 advertisement featuring the caption, “’66 was a great year for English football. Eric was born,” remains one of the most successful marketing campaigns in sports history.
These long-term endorsement deals provided a steady stream of income that far outpaced his playing salary.
Career In Cinema And Media
In a move that shocked the sporting world, Cantona retired from football at the age of 30, at the peak of his powers and made a decision to go into entertainment.
He famously stated he wanted to leave while he was still at the top. He immediately transitioned into a career in the arts, proving that his King Eric persona was just as effective on screen as it was on the pitch.
Since 1997, Cantona has appeared in over 30 films and television productions. His notable works include ‘Elizabeth’ in 1998, where he starred alongside Cate Blanchett playing a French ambassador.
He also played a role in ‘Looking for Eric’ in 2009. It was a critically acclaimed film directed by Ken Loach, in which Cantona played himself as a spiritual guide to a fan.
Another of his notable films was ’Inhuman Resources’ in 2020. It was a gritty Netflix thriller series that showcased his range as a dramatic actor.
His film career isn’t just a hobby; he wants to do it for pleasure. He saw his film career as a profession that he wanted so badly after ending his playing time on the pitch.
Eric Cantona’s net worth also benefited fully from his roles in movies. His passion also played a massive role in making sure everything worked out, and he got the best deals.
Leading roles in European cinema often command six-figure fees, and his involvement as a producer in several projects has allowed him to retain a larger share of the profits.
Eric Cantona’s Net Worth And Businesses
His net worth of $30 million wasn’t from football alone. Eric Cantona’s net worth grew bigger after he decided to leave football and go into movies.
He has successfully avoided the bankrupt athlete trope by investing in assets that appreciate over time. Cantona owns several properties across Europe, including a stunning home in Lisbon, Portugal, and various assets in his native France.
He has also ventured into the world of sports management and fashion. He was instrumental in popularizing beach soccer, serving as a player and manager for the French national team.
He has continued to work with fashion brands like Kronenbourg 1664 and Renault. Eric often appears in high-budget commercials that lean into his philosophical image.
In recent years, Cantona also explored music and released a debut EP. He also performed in live tours and experienced life as a musical artist before moving on.
Eric Cantona’s net worth stemmed from his ventures, which started from football to his Manchester United salary and many others, which contributed to his big-earning days.
