Emmanuel Eboué, the former Ivorian international and Arsenal defender, indeed faced significant personal and financial difficulties following his divorce. After a successful football career, during which he played for clubs like Arsenal and Galatasaray, Eboué encountered severe challenges post-retirement.
In 2017, he publicly revealed the extent of his financial and personal struggles. He lost most of his wealth due to a combination of poor financial management and his divorce settlement, which left him homeless and in a dire situation. Eboué admitted that he had been unable to read or write properly, which made it difficult for him to understand financial documents and contributed to his financial downfall.
Eboué’s story highlights the importance of financial literacy and proper financial planning for athletes, who often earn substantial amounts during their careers but may face difficulties managing their wealth post-retirement. His situation drew significant attention, prompting responses from various organizations and individuals within the football community, offering support and assistance to help him rebuild his life.