Dubai has quietly become the off pitch home of choice for Europe's biggest footballers, whether they play in the Saudi Pro League, in Europe or are recently retired. Tax, lifestyle, security and 90 minute flights to Riyadh make the move obvious.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Plays for Al Nassr in Riyadh but spends extensive time in Dubai. His family and inner circle base around the city for schools and lifestyle.
Karim Benzema
Plays for Al Ittihad in Jeddah. Owns property in Dubai and is a familiar face in Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters.
N'Golo Kanté
Al Ittihad midfielder, also a regular in Dubai.
Riyad Mahrez
Plays for Al Ahli in Jeddah. Dubai is his off season base.
Marcelo Brozović and Sergej Milinković Savić
Both Croatian and Serbian internationals in the Saudi Pro League with strong Dubai connections.
Marcos Llorente, Aymeric Laporte, Steven Bergwijn and many others
A growing list of European based players have either signed in the Saudi Pro League or relocated families to Dubai for off pitch life.
Historical legends with UAE homes
- David Beckham has owned property on the Palm for nearly two decades.
- Wayne Rooney has spent significant time in Dubai post retirement.
- Michael Owen is a regular UAE visitor and Dubai based business partner.
- Frank Lampard, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole have all owned or rented in Dubai.
- Patrice Evra, Eric Abidal and Patrick Vieira are regular Dubai presences.
Why Dubai
Year round sunshine, world class fitness facilities, top international schools, private security, easy access to Riyadh and Jeddah, no personal income tax, deep Arabic and European communities, and one of the best private aviation networks in the world.
If you represent a player and need a quiet, branded residence or a private villa, we handle several of these mandates each year.