Gary Neville's unknown business where he earns more than in football

Gary Neville, the Manchester United legend, has transitioned from the football pitch to the world of business, building a successful career as a real estate magnate. In a recent interview with The Times, Neville opened up about the sacrifices, risks, and mindset that fueled his rise in the property development industry.

"I've always had a massive winning mentality. That's what drove me every single day, and that mentality transferred into everything I did after I left football," Neville commented, reflecting on his post-football career.

From the Field to Real Estate: The Beginning of a Dream

Neville's journey into the business world began during his playing days at Manchester United. While his teammates relaxed with poker games on European away trips, Neville would study architectural plans and designs. "There were no card schools for Red Nev," he quipped, adding that he "aimed to train in something that I considered to be much more productive."

His first real estate venture was an old barn in Bolton, which he purchased at the age of 21. "We turned it from rubble into a house. I got hooked instantly, I loved it, and I became obsessed," he recalled.

A Secret Passion

Developing properties was a passion Neville pursued discreetly, wary of scrutiny from manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his team of scouts. "I'd make sure there was no one sitting next to me [on the plane], and then I'd get them out and start looking at the drawings," he explained. "For ten or twelve years, I had almost a double life. If you asked me what I know most about apart from football, I'd say real estate."

Neville understood the potential repercussions of distractions outside of football during his playing career. "For me, football was everything. But distraction was absolutely illegal at United," he stated. To avoid any issues with the club, he even used a trustee's name on the legal documents for his property company.

The Power of a Sporting Mindset in Business

Neville believes that many of the skills he honed in football have become valuable assets in his business ventures. "I learned a lot about leadership, teamwork, and how to manage pressure. Those lessons from football helped me become a better businessman," he explained.

He also highlighted the need to adapt to the different pace of the business world. "In football, everything was so fast, and the results were almost immediate. In business, it's different. You have to think long-term, know how to wait, and make plans for the future," Neville commented.

Despite the initial stress of navigating a new industry, the discipline he acquired on the football field allowed him to stay focused. "I surrounded myself with experts in the real estate field. I didn't know anything about it, but I had the mentality to learn. Just like in football, the most important thing is to have the right people around you. You can't do it all alone," Neville emphasized.

A Look at His Legacy in Real Estate

Neville takes pride in his most iconic projects, such as Hotel Football, a unique venue for football fans. "Hotel Football is a very personal project for me. We wanted to create a place where fans could enjoy football in a different way. It's a way to keep living the sport, even after retiring," he remarked.

His decision to invest in real estate in Manchester also reflects a social purpose. Neville and his team have spearheaded developments aimed at transforming and revitalizing key areas of the city. "Manchester needed a change. The areas we were developing had a lot of potential, but they weren't being used properly. It gave us a lot of satisfaction to see how those spaces changed, not only for the economic impact but for what they represented for the community," Neville explained.

Gary Neville's journey from football star to real estate tycoon is a testament to his adaptability, ambition, and unwavering work ethic. His success in the business world mirrors his achievements on the pitch, solidifying his status as a true legend of Manchester United and beyond.