In this episode of the Beyond Football podcast, we dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of financial literacy and planning for life after a football career. With a staggering statistic that 50% of professional footballers face bankruptcy or divorce after retirement, we felt it was crucial to bring in a qualified financial advisor, Ayo Noble, to shed light on how players can take control of their financial futures. We kick off the episode with a warm welcome to Ayo, who shares his personal journey and love for football, rooted in his childhood memories with his father, a passionate Manchester United fan. Ayo recounts his own aspirations of becoming a footballer, detailing his trials with clubs like Reading and Brentford, and the challenges he faced along the way. Despite his talent and dedication, he ultimately shifted his focus to education, pursuing a degree in business economics. As we transition into the core of our discussion, Ayo emphasizes the importance of financial planning, particularly life insurance, and how it can serve as a safety net for families left behind. He shares a poignant personal story about the financial struggles his family faced after the untimely passing of his father, who did not have life insurance. This experience ignited Ayo's passion for financial services, as he witnessed firsthand the impact of being unprepared. Throughout the episode, we explore the misconceptions surrounding life insurance, including the belief that it is only for the elderly or that it is too expensive. Ayo breaks down the reality that life insurance can be incredibly affordable, especially for younger individuals, and highlights the importance of being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to securing one's financial future. We also touch on the significance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals, especially for young footballers navigating their careers. Ayo discusses the need for mentorship and the value of having a support system that encourages growth and ambition. He provides practical advice on how to compartmentalize friendships and maintain relationships that uplift rather than hinder personal development. As we wrap up the episode, we reflect on the broader implications of financial literacy in the football community. Ayo passionately advocates for the necessity of having an identity beyond football, likening it to a form of life insurance for one's future. He emphasizes that having multiple sources of income and interests outside of the sport can alleviate the pressure and anxiety that often accompany a professional football career. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the football world, as it not only addresses the critical issue of financial planning but also inspires listeners to take charge of their futures, ensuring they are prepared for whatever life may throw their way. Join us for this enlightening conversation filled with valuable insights and practical advice that can make a real difference in the lives of footballers and their families. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ-nwR5edMODelU3OsaVTNA/join ⬇️ REMEMBER TO LIKE & SUBSCRIBE TO US ON SPOTIFY HERE ⬇️ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beyondfootball/subscribe AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE, SPOTIFY, APPLE PODCASTS AND MOST MAJOR PLATFORMS! 🎙️ SEARCH 'THE BEYOND FOOTBALL PODCAST' FOLLOW MY SOCIALS: ➡️Instagram // https://www.instagram.com/daniel.jinadu/?hl=en ➡️Twitter // https://twitter.com/danieljinadu1 ➡️TikTok // https://vm.tiktok.com/ZS3d6QXF/ CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE 👨🏾‍💻 ➡️https://www.beyondfootball.uk OUR MISSION: To ensure every player has a second Plan A, creating an Identity Beyond Football™️ that is beneficial, necessary, and possible. ​ #BeyondFootball™️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices