Sun Jihai developed an incredibly successful business after retiring (Image: Getty)
Former Manchester City star Sun Jihai now owns several businesses and is estimated to be worth approximately £20million as a result. The defender spent six years with City, making history by becoming the first East Asian player ever to score in the Premier League.
Jihai came through the academy of Chinese side Dalian Shide, making a total of 123 appearances for the club after breaking into the first team. His performances did not go unnoticed in Europe though, with Crystal Palace quickly identifying his defensive talents.
The Eagles signed the centre-back on loan but Dalian Shide soon recalled their academy graduate due to their struggles in the Chinese Jia-A League. After the campaign concluded, City quickly pounced and struck an agreement with the Asian side worth £2m.
Jihai went on to make over 100 appearances for the Sky Blues, becoming the first Chinese player to play in the Premier League. However, after six years at the club and a brief stint with Sheffield United, the defender returned to China to play out the remainder of his career.
Sun Jihai spent six years with Manchester City before returning to China (Image: Getty)
However, Jihai has enjoyed just as much success since retiring. The 46-year-old co-founded HaiQiu Sports, a sports data company with the aim of bridging the gap between supporters and athletes and improving accessibility to some of the biggest athletes around the world.
HaiQiu Sports has numerous business lines, including a talk show hosted by Jihai. The apps produced now have a roster of over 2,000 celebrities, with over 400 million users. As a result of the business venture, PeopleWorthWiki report that Jihai has accumulated a wealth of £20m, and his net worth will continue to soar as Europeans grow fond of the concept.
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Sun Jihai spent a season on loan at Sheffield United late in his City career (Image: Getty)
Speaking to the Daily Star about his business venture, Jihai said: “I was thinking about creating the company in November 2015 and the company was formed in February 2016 - the decision was taken quite quickly, I was fortunate to have friends and partners who know about technology and other similar areas.”
The former City star then urged fellow footballers to consider becoming entrepreneurs when they hang up their boots. He explained: “Finishing your professional sporting career strongly is important. Talk to different friends who have the capability, not just on the financial side, but also on the business side. When you know more and learn more about the market then perhaps you can figure out something interesting to do.
“But as an athlete, you need to have a team of people. Success in the commercial world is really difficult to achieve by yourself. The team is very important. Depending on their income or wealth, some professional athletes, including footballers, think about their futures. If a footballer is smart, has good talents and is serious about developing their own business then there’s more potential for them to pursue it."
