One former Arsenal player who played alongside Mathieu Flamini is set to join him in the corporate world with a niche start-up that has been launched with lots of momentum already.
Unlike many former players who take up punditry or coaching, French midfielder Flamini decided that it was his mission to make the world a better place after stints at fellow Premier League outfit Crystal Palace and Getafe.
Arsene Wenger was fond of Flamini during his tenure, highlighting his winning mentality and will to right the wrongs of his first Arsenal stint when he returned to Emirates Stadium in 2013, striking up a solid partnership with Mikel Arteta.
After arriving from Marseille, he played in both defensive midfield and full-back, scoring 13 goals in 246 appearances for the Gunners. He is now richer than club owner Stan Kroenke.
His investment in and the growth of GF Biochemicals,has seen Flamini build a huge net worth. Various reports have suggested the former Arsenal star is even worth in the region of €12bn (£10bn) to €20bn (£17bn) thanks also to his career as a footballer.
READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window
Many Arsenal fans will remember the versatile midfielder for his League Cup goal against Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 and controversially angering Wenger by cutting his shirt sleeves, ending a club tradition.
“I’ve been playing at the top level for 10 years,” Flamini said, via quotes by The Guardian, back in 2013. “I like to wear short sleeves, that’s what I like to do.”
Nicklas Bendtner launches new investment firm
Flamini now holds a 60% stake in his innovative company that produces sustainable alternatives to oil-based scientific products.
He might have another divisive figure joining him in the Gunners’ rich list if the hype is to be believed.
Danish international Nicklas Bendtner could be the next Arsenal footballer-turned-billionaire route, having retired after a hectic spell at Copenhagen.
The former striker has launched an esports-focused investment and management company called ‘Legendary Gaming Group’.
According to a press release, it is something they have been working towards since early 2024. The company aims to make capital fundraising attempts to carry out its plans for the next three years.
‘Lord Bendtner’ is a well-known esports fan, famously falling in love with the game CSGO before saying gaming connected him to the outside world during the pandemic in 2020.
His company is on an upward trajectory already with a mission to revolutionise esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.
READ MORE: Some Arsenal fans laud Nicklas Bendtner after retirement from football
Bendtner on path to follow Flamini in business success
Speaking upon its launch, co-founder Nicklas Bendtner said: “I am really pleased with the team we have assembled at Legendary [Gaming Group] and look forward to being part of something bigger in an industry I am fascinated by.
“My own role in the company will be an active one, but what the exact title will be is not 100% decided yet, as it also depends on what roles the other sports profiles coming in will have.”
The 36-year-old and his associates have already invested in companies aligned with the esports industry, including New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, Team Singularity, and another brand yet to be identified.
In a strange turn of events, Bendtner is joined on the team by Morten Hoj Jensen, who was the CEO of Tricked Esport – another organisation that shut down in 2023.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
