Piqué's Super Cup Earnings Outshine Many Teams
Gerard Piqué’s earnings from the Spanish Super Cup have surpassed the total revenue of multiple teams, demonstrating the impact of his business ventures even post-retirement.
Former Barcelona star Gerard Piqué has made headlines with his extraordinary earnings from the Spanish Super Cup. Despite retiring from professional football, Piqué’s financial ventures continue to thrive, with reports indicating he has earned an impressive €4 million in commission from the tournament—a figure exceeding the revenues of clubs like Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao.
This income stems from a deal negotiated during Luis Rubiales’ tenure as president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Under the agreement, Piqué's company receives 10% of the revenue from the tournament, which is held in Saudi Arabia. Current RFEF president Rafael Louzán is reportedly working on extending this lucrative deal until 2034.
The original agreement, signed in 2019, marked a groundbreaking moment for Spanish football, generating approximately €40 million annually. This figure is split among participating clubs, the federation, and as a commission to Piqué. While Real Madrid and Barcelona remain the primary beneficiaries, smaller clubs like Mallorca and Bilbao have received significantly less.
For the 2023 tournament, champions Barcelona earned €9 million in total, including bonuses. Real Madrid and Barcelona each received a fixed sum of €6 million, while Mallorca and Bilbao earned €850,000 and €2 million, respectively. The agreement also stipulates financial penalties if either Real Madrid or Barcelona fail to participate, with up to €10 million deducted if both teams are absent.
However, the deal has faced criticism, particularly from Amnesty International, due to human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia. Critics argue that the financial benefits should not overshadow ethical considerations. Despite the controversy, Louzán has defended the partnership, emphasizing its financial importance to Spanish football.
Piqué's ability to generate substantial revenue through innovative deals showcases his transition from a footballer to a savvy businessman. While his earnings spark debate, they undeniably highlight the growing commercial opportunities within the sport.