Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown, a key figure in the club's most successful era, experienced a dramatic financial collapse after retirement, culminating in a bankruptcy declaration in 2023.
From Champions League Glory to Financial Despair
Wes Brown's footballing CV is the envy of many. The 23-cap England international secured five Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies during a glittering 15-year career at Old Trafford. He was part of the historic 1999 treble-winning squad and famously provided the assist for Cristiano Ronaldo's headed goal in the 2008 Champions League final victory over Chelsea.
Despite earning up to £50,000 per week at the peak of his playing days, Brown found himself in severe financial difficulty after hanging up his boots. A combination of poor investment decisions and a lack of sound financial guidance led to his money troubles spiralling out of control.
The Bankruptcy Petition and Road to Recovery
In April 2023, the shocking news emerged that the retired footballer had been declared bankrupt. Brown kept the petition from HMRC private for a year before publicly addressing the situation. By November 2024, he revealed he was in a much better place, having navigated through what he described as "a tough ride."
"Well luckily I still work, so that's good," Brown told William Hill. "But it's all been sorted now in the sense that I know what I need to do and everybody is happy with everything. So I'm just getting on with it now and carrying on really." His work in broadcasting and other ventures proved crucial to his financial recovery.
A Cautionary Tale and Push for Financial Education
Now 46, Brown has become an advocate for better financial literacy among professional athletes. He reflects that a major part of his problem was not having trusted advisors during his playing career. "For me it was more of a case of not knowing who I could speak to about stuff," he admitted. "If anything, with that you get the pros and cons, and I feel that's much easier doing when you've got people you trust in the room."
Brown is not alone in facing post-career financial woes. Liverpool icon John Barnes has faced multiple bankruptcy petitions, while ex-Manchester City winger Trevor Sinclair was declared bankrupt in June 2025 over an unpaid tax bill. Brown's story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of financial planning, regardless of the size of one's earnings.
