From Pitch Incident to Premium Spirits: The Remarkable Rise of Charlie Morgan
Thirteen years after a notorious on-field clash with football legend Eden Hazard, former ballboy Charlie Morgan has transformed into a multi-millionaire entrepreneur with a thriving business empire. The 30-year-old, who once made headlines as a teenager during a heated League Cup semi-final, now commands a vodka brand valued at an impressive £150 million.
The Infamous 2013 Incident That Changed Everything
During Chelsea's crucial League Cup second leg against Swansea City in January 2013, a young Charlie Morgan found himself at the centre of a football controversy that would unexpectedly shape his future. As a ballboy for his beloved Swansea, Morgan deliberately held onto the ball to waste time while Chelsea trailed 2-0 on aggregate with less than fifteen minutes remaining.
Frustrated by the delay, Belgian superstar Eden Hazard attempted to dislodge the ball, resulting in the player kicking the teenager and receiving an immediate red card. Both parties later exchanged apologies in the changing room, with Hazard stating: "The ballboy came in the changing room and we had a quick chat. I apologised and the boy apologised as well, and it is over. Sorry."
Building a Spirited Empire: The AU Vodka Success Story
While Hazard has since retired from professional football, Morgan has embarked on an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. In 2015, just two years after the incident, he co-founded premium vodka brand AU Vodka with friend Jackson Quinn. What began as a modest venture has blossomed into one of Britain's most recognisable spirit brands.
The company's remarkable growth has seen it secure shelf space in prestigious retailers including:
- Selfridges
- Harvey Nichols
- Tesco
- Costco
- Sainsbury's
- Asda
This widespread distribution has contributed significantly to Morgan's personal wealth, which now stands at approximately £56 million according to recent estimates.
A Golden Headquarters Reflecting Brand Identity
The business, now headquartered in their home city of Swansea, operates from a distinctive gold-clad facility that perfectly embodies the brand's luxurious aesthetic. Morgan recently announced their move to expanded premises via LinkedIn, detailing their journey from a cramped 250-square-foot office to their current impressive headquarters.
"We spent four years in our first office which was only 250 sq ft and only just fit myself, Jackson Quinn and Jordan Major," Morgan revealed. "Today we've moved into our new home - a fully gold HQ which really represents Au and what we stand for."
High-Profile Backing and a Surprising Reunion
AU Vodka has attracted support from numerous sporting celebrities, including Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho and undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. Perhaps most remarkably, Morgan reunited with Eden Hazard in 2024, sharing a photograph of them together holding glasses of the premium spirit.
Morgan posted on social media: "A nice thing about retirement is catching up with old friends. You have come a long way in 11 years my friend." The image symbolized an extraordinary full-circle moment from their contentious meeting on the pitch to their cordial encounter as successful professionals.
Legacy Beyond the Football Pitch
While Chelsea's League Cup semi-final struggles have continued in recent years, Morgan has created a legacy far removed from football controversy. His business now employs 96 people and continues to expand its market presence both domestically and internationally.
The story of Charlie Morgan serves as a compelling narrative of transformation, demonstrating how an unexpected moment in the spotlight can evolve into entrepreneurial success through vision, determination, and strategic brand development.
