When Soccer Stars Open Coffee Shops

When professional athletes retire—or even during their careers—they often look for ways to extend their influence off the field. For some, that means investing in real estate or fashion. For others, like David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane, it meant opening coffee shops. But what did they actually do? And how did their fame shape those ventures?

In 2003, both Zidane and Beckham were leveraging their public profiles to launch coffee-related businesses. Zidane bought a café in Bordeaux, while Beckham had already built a company around his personal brand worth millions annually.

Zidane’s Café in Bordeaux

In late May 2003, during the French football season break, Zinedine Zidane and teammate Christophe Dugarry purchased a café named “Casino” (translated as “”) in Bordeaux. Although they became the owners, the day-to-day operations were managed by a relative of Zidane’s. On opening day, Zidane himself cut the ribbon, drawing crowds of fans eager for a glimpse. He signed autographs, helping the café attract significant attention. Not long after, he opened a second location in Marseille.

Beckham’s Personal Brand Business

David Beckham had been building his personal brand since 1996, when he launched “Beckham Limited.” By operating services connected to his image, the company reportedly earned tens of millions of pounds annually. This included his salary from Real Madrid—£4.4 million per year—as well as endorsement deals with Adidas, Gillette, Pepsi, and Vodafone.

Ownership and Management Structure

Beckham was the sole shareholder of his company. In 2004, his father was appointed company manager, but the role was handed over to his father-in-law, Tony Adams, the following year. Victoria Beckham, also known as “Posh Spice,” held the title of company secretary.

Why Soccer Stars Open Coffee Shops

For high-profile athletes, coffee shops offer more than just a business venture—they serve as physical spaces where fans can engage with the athlete’s brand. Whether through personal appearances or simply the allure of meeting a star, these cafés become extensions of the athletes’ public personas. Zidane’s involvement in Bordeaux and Beckham’s broader brand strategy both show how personal fame can drive commercial success in retail spaces like cafés.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Zidane really own a coffee shop in Bordeaux?

Yes. In late May 2003, during the French football season break, Zinedine Zidane and his teammate Christophe Dugarry purchased a café called “Casino” (translated from “”) in Bordeaux. Zidane was the owner, though operations were handled by a relative. He attended the opening and signed autographs for fans.

Did Beckham open his own coffee shop?

The article does not state that Beckham opened a coffee shop, but it describes how he built a personal brand business (“Beckham Limited”) starting in 1996, which generated millions annually from his salary and endorsements, effectively using himself as the primary product.

What other city did Zidane open a café in?

After opening a café in Bordeaux, Zidane also opened another coffee shop in Marseille.

Who managed Beckham’s company after 2004?

In 2004, Beckham’s father was made company manager, but in 2005, the role was taken over by his father-in-law, Tony Adams. Victoria Beckham held the title of company secretary.

How did Beckham earn money through his company?

Beckham Limited earned millions annually through services related to Beckham’s image, including his Real Madrid salary of £4.4 million per year and endorsements with major brands such as Adidas, Gillette, Pepsi, and Vodafone.