Sport can be a short career for professional athletes. From the first moment they step onto a pitch, a court, or on the track, there is always the uncertainty of form, success, and long-term injury. It could all end in one moment. The big stars make sure they get what they are worth to secure their futures and families.
With the huge salaries, sponsors, and globalization of top sporting events, the stars (and increasingly, rookies) can bring in millions and still afford to splash the cash on spacious, luxury homes. Here are some stars that really push the envelope in elite living.
Tiger Woods: Jupiter Island, Florida
The 15-time major golf winner bought his multi-acre estate in Florida almost two decades ago. He actually demolished the original property and built his own, which is almost 10,000 square feet in total. The main residence consists of two buildings that are connected by a glass-covered walkway.
One third of the property is the living area, while the other parts include leisure space that takes in a 100-foot swimming pool, a diving pool, a basketball-tennis court and a spa. Unsurprisingly, there’s also a four-hole golf course.
The mansion has a gym and an oxygen therapy room, which is useful for his spate of recent injuries. The property is so huge that it covers three addresses and is valued at $41 million.
Odell Beckham Jr: Cleveland
Beckham Jnr might not be in the best position in terms of career moves right now, but the wide receiver knows a thing or two about properties.
When he played for the Cleveland Browns in 2019, a subsequent residence in Columbia Station reflected the bigger money he was making after an initial rookie contract. The property included four bedrooms and an incredible seven bathrooms, together with a three-car garage, and a swimming pool that had a water park feature slide. That matches his penchant for flair and adventure as a player who led the most prop bets for the 2022 Super Bowl.
Beckham really stamped his authority on the estate with a department-like room that had thousands of his outfits, which he likes to share on social media on occasion.
In a previous residence during his New York Giants phase, he set up a man cave complete with a couch called the “undefeated.”
As wide receivers go, Beckham is not shy of a good catch. He eventually listed the house for $3.3 million, doubling its value in three years.
Novak Djokovic, Marbella
Novak Djokovic is quite probably the best tennis player of all time, and he has just moved ahead of Roger Federer with a 101st title in Greece.
While the Serbian has moved to a new Greek lifestyle, one of his biggest properties is in Marbella.
Located in Sierra Blanca, the villa has nine bedrooms and eight bathrooms, together with a Turkish bath. Djokovic has shown his artistic side by showing off a grand piano and art pieces and has posted images of a huge winding staircase.
Andalusian law has reportedly come down hard on some of the 24-time major champion’s extensions. His renovations may have pushed the envelope too far with a basement parking area and a porch.
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles, California
The ten-time NBA All-Star purchased a Bel Air property in 2021 for a cool $31 million. It made sense in some ways after he had just settled a $190 million contract with his previous team, the Lakers. There was clearly some cash to spare.
The mansion covers 3.5 acres, offers stunning views that include the golf course and canyons. It has a full-sized basketball court, a tennis court and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The home had a private elevator and a custom barber shop, but Davis put his own spin on it by adding a wellness centre, including a plunge tub and sauna.
Davis is one of the highest-paid players in the NBA and has listed this vast venue at a $40 million asking price.
Lionel Messi, Fort Lauderdale
He may be in an eternal battle with Cristiano Ronaldo for best footballer in the world, but Lionel Messi is living it up in the States just before the World Cup.
The Argentine has a property portfolio on a par with the Portuguese. In 2023, he purchased a 10.8 million property near Inter Miami’s stadium. The home is located on a waterway in Bay Colony and boasts ten bedrooms and nine-and-a-half bathrooms. The famous number ten appears to be like a similar number of houses.
There really is a different world out there for sports stars whose inherent value can make capital on and off the pitch. Money can’t buy happiness, but it can certainly cover all of those luxuries that aren’t in the same ballpark as mere mortals.
