Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has been declared bankrupt, despite earning up to £50,000 per week during his playing days. The 46-year-old, who won five Premier League titles and two Champions League winners' medals with the club, filed for bankruptcy in 2023 following a series of poor investments and a lack of financial guidance.
Brown, who made 23 appearances for England, was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's treble-winning side in 1999 and provided an assist to Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea. However, his financial troubles emerged after he retired from football, leading to a bankruptcy petition from HM Revenue and Customs.
Speaking to William Hill in November 2024, Brown said: 'It was a tough ride, it's something that is hard to deal with on your own at times. But luckily I still do quite a lot of work and I'm able to carry on now moving forward.' He added that his broadcasting work and other ventures have helped him overcome the worst of his financial difficulties.
Brown has since become an advocate for financial literacy among athletes, admitting that he did not know who to turn to for advice during his playing career. 'I always feel if I could have the time again I would have more people in the room, and would have taken advice from people,' he said.
Brown is not alone in facing financial hardship after football. Liverpool legend John Barnes has faced multiple bankruptcy petitions, and ex-Manchester City star Trevor Sinclair was declared bankrupt in June 2025 over an unpaid tax bill.
