Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has sounded a strong warning to professional footballers, urging them to take financial literacy and long-term planning seriously while they are still active in the game. The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner expressed disappointment over the increasing number of retired players facing financial hardship, stating that those who squander their wealth and end up broke after retirement “deserve to be jailed.”
Speaking in a candid video that has since made rounds on social media, Ideye, who played for clubs across Europe including Dynamo Kyiv, Olympiacos, and West Bromwich Albion, lamented that many players ignore repeated advice about managing their earnings wisely. According to the former Nigerian international, professional football provides players with a rare opportunity to secure not only their future but that of their families, yet some throw it away on wasteful lifestyles.
In his words, “I don’t pity any footballer that goes broke after retirement. I’m saying it with my full chest. If there’s a law that can jail any footballer that finishes his career and becomes broke, they should do it. Because there are people who are advising you. If you like, listen; if you like, don’t listen. But you can’t say you were not warned.”
The ex-international, who scored five goals in 28 appearances for Nigeria between 2010 and 2016, stressed that the problem lies not in the lack of income but in the failure to plan. He highlighted how some players ignore basic financial advice and continue to live lavish lifestyles even after their playing years are over.
“Football won’t last forever. It’s a short career, and before you know it, it’s gone. That’s why we keep telling the younger ones: save, invest, plan your future, don’t carry every burden. But some of them believe the money will never finish,” he added.
Ideye’s message echoes a growing concern in African football circles, where several former stars have publicly admitted to financial struggles post-retirement. While some blame poor management, others point to a lack of education and the pressure to support extended families.
In Nigeria, a number of ex-players including the late Rashidi Yekini and Wilson Oruma have made headlines over their post-career challenges, drawing attention to the urgent need for proper financial planning and post-retirement support systems within the footballing ecosystem.
Ideye, who has since ventured into business and mentorship programmes for young athletes, called on current players to learn from past examples and secure their financial future while the spotlight is still on them. His bold remarks have sparked mixed reactions online, with some applauding his honesty and others describing the jail comment as extreme. Nonetheless, the message remains clear: the era of reckless spending must end.
As the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and other local footballing bodies continue to push for reforms and player welfare, Ideye’s words serve as a timely reminder of the real-life consequences of poor financial decisions in a sport where careers are often short-lived but earnings can be substantial.