Most people know that diversifying investments is a wise strategy, but few manage to apply it effectively. Among celebrities, however, branching out into different industries is common — from fashion and beauty to beverages and entertainment. Cristiano Ronaldo has his own fragrance, Lewis Hamilton launched a clothing line, and Charles Leclerc even introduced a low-calorie ice cream brand.
Former FC Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué has followed a similar path. His ventures range from food and recovery drinks to video games and sunglasses. Not every project worked out — for example, his gaming software company Kerad Games eventually shut down.
Leaving Football, But Not Leaving Sport
In 2017, Piqué founded Kosmos Global Holding, a company focused on sports and media. The group has produced documentaries, such as The Decision about Antoine Griezmann, and owns esports teams.
Through Kosmos, Piqué also became majority owner of FC Andorra, guiding the club from obscurity into Spain’s second division within just four years. Still, not all efforts succeeded. In 2018, Kosmos signed a high-profile $3 billion, 25-year deal with the International Tennis Federation to revamp the Davis Cup. Five years later, the agreement was terminated.
The Birth of the Kings League
Perhaps Kosmos’s most famous project is the Kings League, a seven-a-side football competition with 12 teams. The league introduces fresh rules — such as “joker cards” that allow goals to count double or force an opponent to play with fewer players. Team managers can be professional athletes, influencers, or internet personalities.
Fans play an active role too, voting on rule changes and interacting directly through live streaming platforms. The aim: to modernize football for younger audiences raised on social media. Today, the Kings League has expanded into Latin America and the U.S., and according to Spanish media, Piqué even plans to launch an MMA version in Spain.
Quiet Success in Real Estate
Despite the visibility of his sporting ventures, Gerard Piqué’s most stable and profitable business lies closer to home: real estate. His family company, Kerad Holding, manages coworking spaces in Madrid and Barcelona. The group owns several buildings that cater to freelancers, startups, and small firms needing flexible offices, meeting rooms, and relaxation zones.
Alongside these workspaces, Kerad Holding also rents luxury properties, with the villa Santa Catalina being among the most notable.
Business Instincts Beyond the Pitch
Not all of Gerard Piqué’s investments turned into blockbusters, but his career demonstrates a sharp business sense and the ability to adapt to shifting consumer trends. From failed gaming experiments to successful property ventures and innovative sports formats, the former Barcelona star has built a portfolio that ensures his influence extends well beyond the football field.
Featured image: Iran and Spain match at the FIFA World Cup (2018-06-20), Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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