From Football Glory to Financial Ruin: Bobby Petta's Stark Transition
Former Celtic winger Bobby Petta, who once dazzled in a memorable 6-2 demolition of Rangers, has opened up about his dramatic fall from grace after being declared bankrupt. The 51-year-old Dutch footballer, whose career included spells at Fulham and Ipswich Town, lost a substantial sum in an investment scheme he now describes as akin to a pyramid fraud.
A Nest Egg That Vanished
Petta had envisioned a comfortable retirement after hanging up his boots, but those hopes evaporated when he placed too much trust in financial advisers. "I thought: when I'm done, I'll have a nice nest egg. Not so," he confessed in a recent interview. "I didn't consider the consequences. At least, not long enough. I assumed too much of the best in people."
While he hasn't disclosed the exact amount lost, Petta revealed to Dutch publication Algemeen Dagblad in 2023 that it was "a lot." He admitted, "I was too gullible. But it all sounded so convincing. They tell you exactly what you want to hear."
Rebuilding Life Through Humble Work
Forced to find new income streams after bankruptcy, Petta took on a variety of jobs far removed from his footballing days. He worked as a delivery driver for DPD, earning around £200 daily—a fraction of his former salary—and also tried his hand as a DJ and pub manager. Recently, he has been coaching young players in Hamilton, Scotland, offering individual training sessions.
His life now marks a stark contrast to his peak years, when lavish spending earned him the nickname 'Bobby Prada' from teammates. Reflecting philosophically, Petta said, "I don't need to have everything to be happy. I live in a small flat now, have hot water and electricity. That's enough for me."
From Hollywood Cameo to Harsh Reality
Petta's post-football journey included a brief brush with Hollywood fame when he appeared as an extra in Brad Pitt's film World War Z in 2006, though his screen time lasted just 30 seconds. After leaving English football in 2006, he moved to Australia for several years before returning to the UK in 2016, even coming out of retirement to play for Scottish side Rossvale.
Despite his setbacks, Petta remains active in football circles, having been named in a Celtic legends squad for the Scottish Masters tournament in 2025. He now seeks speaking engagements to help others avoid similar financial pitfalls, emphasizing, "You can't take all your money with you to heaven. So it really means nothing."
