The "Tennis Emperor" Becomes a $1.5 Billion Mogul After Spotting His Wife's Shoes

Decided to invest in 2019 after seeing his wife wear the shoes

Roger Federer, the "Tennis Emperor" who retired in 2022, has become the seventh sports athlete to join the ranks of billionaires. On August 24, Yonhap News Agency, citing Forbes, reported that Federer's net worth is estimated at approximately 1.1 billion dollars (about 1.52 trillion won). This achievement is largely attributed to the increased value of his shares in the Swiss footwear and apparel brand On, in which he invested.

Promotional photo of the Swiss brand 'On' invested in by the Tennis Emperor Roger Federer. On official website

In terms of prize money earned during his career, Federer made less than his rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. However, he consistently generated significant income off the court, becoming the highest-earning tennis player for 16 consecutive years. In 2020 alone, he earned a staggering 106.3 million dollars (about 147.2 billion won), making him the highest-paid sports athlete in the world that year.

Decided to Invest in 2019 After Seeing Shoes Worn by His Wife

Federer was able to become a billionaire thanks to his smart investments. He first encountered the Swiss brand On when he saw his wife wearing its products, and decided to invest in the company in 2019. He went further by partnering with the company to co-develop a lifestyle apparel line and tennis shoes. The brand experienced rapid growth following Federer's investment, going public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021. As On's stock price soared, the value of Federer's shares increased dramatically.

Federer first encountered the company when he saw his wife wearing products from the Swiss brand On, and he decided to invest in 2019. On

Forbes reported, "On's market capitalization is about 15 billion dollars (about 20 trillion won), and Federer is estimated to hold a 3% stake." In addition, Federer has invested over the years in various companies, including the private jet operator NetJets, eyewear brand Oliver Peoples, UBS Bank, and the Chilean plant-based food developer NotCo.

Besides Federer, billionaire athletes from the world of sports include basketball stars such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, and Junior Bridgeman. "Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods is also on the list. Among tennis players, Ion Tiriac of Romania reached billionaire status before Federer. Tiriac, who won the men’s doubles title at the 1970 French Open, began investing after the fall of communism and achieved great success as a businessman.