Football Stars Turn Baristas: Beckham and Zidane’s Coffee Ventures

When footballers retire—or even during their careers—they often look for new ventures. Many choose restaurants, fashion, or perfumes. But some, like David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane, invested in a more surprising industry: coffee. Their stories aren’t just about celebrity branding. They reveal how athletes turned their fame into storefront success, often with surprising hands-off management styles.

By 2003, both Zidane and Beckham had launched their own coffee-related businesses—Zidane co-buying a café in Bordeaux, and Beckham running a company that profited largely through personal branding, including potential café ventures. Their paths show how high-profile athletes leverage fame in unexpected markets.

Zidane’s First Café Ownership in Bordeaux

In late May 2003, during the French football season break, Zinedine Zidane and his teammate Christophe Dugarry purchased a café named “Casino” (translated as “”) located in Bordeaux. Though the two football stars were the owners, the day-to-day operations were handled by a relative of Zidane. The opening day saw Zidane himself cut the ribbon in person. The presence of the football icon attracted numerous fans, leading to a bustling shop filled with people eager for autographs. Not long after, Zidane expanded the concept by opening another café in Marseille.

Beckham’s Personal Branding Empire

David Beckham, known globally as the “Brand Beckham,” turned his public persona into a business machine. By 1996, shortly after beginning his professional career, he had already established “Beckham Ltd,” a company entirely owned by him. This venture wasn’t tied to a physical coffee chain, but rather capitalized on his image for services and endorsements. By leveraging deals with major brands and his status at Real Madrid—where he earned £4.4 million annually—Beckham Ltd generated annual revenues in the tens of millions of pounds, including income from advertising partnerships with Adidas, Gillette, PepsiCo, and Vodafone.

Who Really Ran Beckham’s Business?

Although Beckham was the sole shareholder of Beckham Ltd, the management evolved over time. In 2004, his father was appointed as the company manager, only to be replaced the following year by his father-in-law, Tony Adams. Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham, also known as “Posh Spice,” held the official title of company secretary. Despite the rotating leadership, the company continued to thrive based largely on David Beckham’s personal brand.

What These Cafés and Brands Reveal

Both cases highlight how elite athletes can successfully enter consumer retail or lifestyle sectors. Zidane took a more direct role by purchasing and opening cafés, even if delegating management. Beckham, meanwhile, built a multifaceted brand that didn’t necessarily include cafés but certainly could have—and still reflects how star power translates into commercial ventures. These moves weren’t just about coffee or merchandise; they were about extending their influence off the pitch.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Zinedine Zidane buy a café in Bordeaux?

Zinedine Zidane, along with teammate Christophe Dugarry, purchased a café called “Casino” in Bordeaux in late May 2003, during the French football season break.

Did Zidane help run the café himself?

No, although Zidane was one of the owners and personally opened the café, the daily operations were managed by a relative of his. He did, however, make public appearances, such as cutting the ribbon at the opening.

What coffee businesses did David Beckham own?

David Beckham did not own a coffee shop directly, but through his company Beckham Ltd, he built a personal branding empire that earned millions, primarily from endorsements and services, which could have included potential café ventures.

Who managed Beckham’s company after 2004?

After 2004, Beckham’s father was the company manager, but he was replaced in 2005 by Tony Adams, Beckham’s father-in-law. Victoria Beckham held the title of company secretary.

How did Beckham make money through his company?

Beckham Ltd earned tens of millions of pounds annually through David Beckham’s salary at Real Madrid (£4.4 million per year) and lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Adidas, Gillette, PepsiCo, and Vodafone.

Why did Zidane open a second café in Marseille?

After the initial success of the café in Bordeaux, which attracted many fans, Zidane expanded by opening another café in Marseille, suggesting the first location performed well enough to justify further investment.