Hakimi: The need for financial responsibility, amidst contest for trust, lessons from Eboue (opinion)
The news of footballer Achraf Hakimi’s wife filing for divorce and demanding half of his property spread like wildfire.
However, she was in for a rude shock when the court informed her that her “millionaire” husband actually owned nothing as all his property was registered under his mother’s name.
It was later revealed that even though Hakimi received a monthly salary of €1 Million from PSG, 80% of it was deposited in his mother’s account. This move not only protected his assets but also ensured financial security for his family.
The tragic story of Emmanuel Eboue, a former Ivorian footballer, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of financial responsibility and asset protection. Eboue, who had earned millions of dollars during his career, was declared bankrupt in 2017 after being embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with his ex-wife.
As a result of the divorce settlement, Eboue lost everything he had, including his house, cars, and even his World Cup medals. He was left homeless, penniless, and contemplating suicide. It was a stark contrast to his life just a few years earlier, where he was a successful footballer playing for Arsenal in the English Premier League.
The lesson we can learn from Eboue’s story is that financial planning and asset protection are crucial, especially in times of uncertainty or crisis. It’s essential to have a long-term strategy that considers potential risks and provides a safety net for your loved ones. This is particularly relevant for professional athletes, whose careers can be short-lived and unpredictable.
The moral of the story is that it is important to be financially responsible and to protect your assets, especially if you have dependents. One should always think ahead and plan for unforeseen circumstances, such as divorce or financial crises, to ensure the well-being of their loved ones. Additionally, it is also important to remember that money and material possessions do not define one’s worth or happiness.
