Chris Smalling at a Glance
- Net Worth: £49,296,000
- Birthdate: November 22, 1989
- Birthplace: Greenwich, London, England
- Nationality: English
- Profession: Professional Footballer, Venture Capital Investor
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What is Chris Smalling’s Net Worth?
Chris Smalling has a net worth of £49,296,000. The English defender has built his fortune through a long and successful career playing for some of the world’s most prominent football clubs, including Manchester United and AS Roma. His wealth is derived from substantial player contracts, transfer fees, and high-value salaries earned in the English Premier League, Italian Serie A, and currently, the Saudi Pro League.
In addition to his on-pitch earnings, Smalling has established himself as a significant figure in the world of impact investing and venture capital. He is the co-founder of ForGood, a venture capital consultancy, and a founding partner in The Players Fund, further diversifying his financial portfolio beyond football.
Contracts and Earnings
Smalling’s financial success is anchored in more than 15 years of top-flight football contracts. After a decade at Manchester United, where he was one of the club’s senior defenders earning a salary reported to be over £100,000 per week, he moved to AS Roma in 2019.
His transfer to the Italian capital, initially a loan, was made permanent in 2020 for a fee of €15 million. In Rome, he was a key player, signing a contract extension in 2023 valued at a reported €3.5 million per season. This successful period in Italy concluded in September 2024 when Smalling transferred to Al-Fayha, joining the lucrative Saudi Pro League. His contract with the Saudi club reflects the league’s high-wage structure, contributing significantly to his net worth.
He co-founded ForGood, a venture capital consultancy that connects athletes and high-profile personalities with startups addressing environmental and social challenges. The firm aims to channel investment into businesses focused on building a more sustainable future.
Smalling has personally invested in several in-demand startups, including the plant-based meal delivery service allplants, natural energy drink company Virtue Drinks, and Piñatex, a company that creates a sustainable leather alternative from pineapple leaves.
Furthermore, he is a founding athlete investor in The Players Fund, a £40 million venture capital fund established by athletes to invest in early-stage European startups. This positions him alongside other major sports figures as an active owner and entrepreneur, not just an endorser.
Early Life
Chris Smalling was born in Greenwich, London. His father, Lloyd, passed away when Chris was five, and he was raised by his mother, Theresa, in Kent. He attended Chatham Grammar School for Boys, where he was a strong student.
Unlike many professional footballers, Smalling did not come through a major club’s academy system. He was playing non-League football for Maidstone United while studying for his A-Levels. His original plan was to attend university, with offers from Loughborough and Leicester to study financial economics, before his football career rapidly accelerated.
Career
Smalling’s professional journey began when he was signed from Maidstone United by Premier League club Fulham in 2008. After just one full season at Fulham, his potential was spotted by Sir Alex Ferguson, who signed him for Manchester United in 2010 in an £8 million deal.
His time at Old Trafford spanned a decade, during which he made 323 appearances for the club. He was a central part of a team that won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and the UEFA Europa League in 2017. He also became a regular for the England national team, earning 31 caps and representing the country at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016.
In 2019, Smalling moved to AS Roma, where he experienced a major career revitalization. He became a fan favorite and a defensive leader for the team. His most significant achievement in Italy came in 2022 when he helped lead Roma to victory in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League, the club’s first major European trophy. In 2024, he completed his move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha.
Personal Life
Chris Smalling is married to Sam Smalling (formerly Cooke), whom he wed in 2017. He is a prominent and vocal vegan, having adopted a fully plant-based lifestyle in 2017. He frequently credits this dietary change for improving his health, recovery, and athletic performance. His commitment to veganism and sustainability is the primary motivation behind his business ventures in plant-based and eco-friendly companies.
