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I Was An England Star But Quit Football To Launch Fashion Brand – Now I Make £35m-a-year And Have An Oxford Street Shop
IN 2013, unfulfilled by his football career, Reece Wabara decided to set up a clothing line as a side-project.
The former Man City right-back ploughed £15,000 into fashion label Maniere De Voir, after taking on advice from school pal Lewis Morgan, who co-founded leisure wear giant Gym Shark.
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Reece Wabara quit football and built a fashion empire10
Wabara was a former England under 20 international and played for Man CityCredit: AFP - Getty10
Today, Wabara is a cutting edge fashion designer with his own London storeCredit: The Times"I kept asking, where can I maximise my potential to be great," he told The Times back in 2021.
"I always had a way of dressing that was different and Lewis (Morgan, co-founder of Gymshark) said to me, 'You should do something in fashion'."
Some ten years later, the company is now turning over a staggering £34.7million-per-year.
It has clothed sports stars including Anthony Joshua and Raheem Sterling, while Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards is also a fan.
Better still, it has just opened its first flagship store on London's Oxford Street - with queues forming around the block.
Choosing a different destinyFootball was in Reece's blood.
His grandfather Lawrence played for Nigeria, while his uncle Mark Walters starred for Rangers and Liverpool.
At 16, he was scouted by Man City. Three years later, he was handed a £1million-per-year three-year contract.
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Alex Scott shows off toned abs & snuggles up to Jess Glynne on Mexico beachBut, he had a sense he could achieve much more.
He saved up £15,000 and launched online clothes store Maniere De Voir, inspired by a chat with his dad.
"I signed to Manchester City at a transitional period, there was two or three managers in the time I was there and two or three owners too," Wabara said.
"I knew my football days at City were coming to an end and my dad always taught me I needed a second option to ensure you're relevant and financially stable.
"I founded MDV in late 2013 and launched a collection, the first clothing I produced was tracksuits, T-shirts, hoodies…I put them on the footballers that I knew and it took off."
In 2017, at the age of 26, following a spell at Bolton Wanderers, former England U20 international Wabara decided to hang up his boots and concentrate on his business.
"The transition from footballer to fashion owner was a gradual one and only when the numbers and politics in football started to eat away at me did I need to make a choice," he told Sports On Screen.
"My football wasn't progressing in the way I intended it to.
"The business was progressing at an alarming rate and I had to choose one or the other because focus is important."
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Wabara launched Maniere De Voir in 2013Credit: Twitter / @ManiereDevoir10
Raheem Sterling is a fan of the brandCredit: Instagram / @manieredevoir Success storyWabara, who is originally from Bromsgrove, Worcs, put his life and soul into his new project - working seven days a week.
Initial turnover was slow. So, he had to revert to a 'Plan B'.
Noticing that the Sports Luxe market was male-dominated, he introduced womenswear to Maniere De Voir.
"Men are very simple by nature," he said.
"There's only so much you can do with those silhouettes.
"Whereas women are more experimental - and they shop a lot more, typically."
The decision paid dividends.
From his first year turnover of £1million, some seven years later he was raking in £30.2million.
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Wabara's Maniere De Voir turned over £35million this yearCredit: Free for editorial use10
In 2022, Wabara was a new entry in the Sunday Times' Young Rich ListCredit: InstagramToday, that number has swollen to a staggering £34.7million.
The numbers catapulted Reece into last year's Young Rich List in the Sunday Times - with a personal fortune of £26million, above footballer Marcus Rashford and level with rapper Stormzy's net worth.
And there's more...Earlier in the year, Maniere De Voir signed a 10-year lease for the entire 5,189 sq ft retail space at 354 Oxford Street.
"We are delighted to announce Oxbourne House as our London Flagship store," Wabara revealed.
"We strongly believe that the balance between online and physical retail space is key to growing and solidifying a brand that stands the test of time.
"We hope to weave ourselves into the fabric of the high street's resurgence, inspiring other successful online pure plays to become a part of the iconic location which is Oxford Street."
Already a buzz has been created - with queues of fashion fans lining up on the street to get a glimpse inside.
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Maniere De Voir has opened its first store on London's Oxford Street10
Queues have been forming outside Maniere De Voir to get a glimpse inside the store10
Wabara is now ready to take over the high-streetCredit: InstagramFootball may have provided Reece with a platform, but it was his business acumen and eye for fashion that earned him his enormous wealth.
Now, he is taking over the high-street. Watch out JD Sports.
Euro 2016 Jerseys: Official Team Jerseys
If you're looking for Euro 2016 jerseys to support your country, you've come to the right place.
We have official Euro 2016 jerseys for all of the participating countries including Germany, Spain, Italy, France, England, Ireland and others. Any of the jerseys can be delivered to your door, and they're the same high-quality jerseys that your favorite players will be wearing. They're not the cheap knock-off Euro 2016 jerseys you find in discount stores.
Be sure to be dressed for the part to support your country!
Euro 2016 jerseys Albania home jerseyAt this summer's Euros, the Eagles of Albania will make their first appearance at a major tournament. New jersey sponsors Macron have created a jersey that is inspired by the Albanian flag.
Find out how to order the Albania home jersey today.
Austria home jerseyAustria will play in the European Championship for only the second time in the country's history. Led by four-time Austrian player of the year David Alaba, Austria easily topped its qualifying group. The new jersey includes an embroidered PUMA logo and sewn on team badge. The jersey is composed of 100% Polyester and has dryCELL designation for moisture-wicking properties that help keep you dry and comfortable
Find out how to order the Austria home jersey today.
Belgium home jerseyCurrently sitting atop the FIFA rankings, a lot is expected of 2014 World Cup quarter finalists Belgium. Loaded with players who are excelling in major European leagues, the Red Devils are a favorite for the European Championship. The jersey is inspired by Belgium's love of cycling and the great success of the sport. The red jersey has a black block on the chest and yellow stripes down the sides. This jersey also sports a superior performance material with ClimaCool technology and its 100% polyester composition.
Find out how to order the Belgium home jersey today.
Belgium away jerseyWith one of the most stylish Euro 2016 jerseys, a lot is expected of 2014 World Cup quarter finalists Belgium. Loaded with players who are excelling in major European leagues, the Red Devils are a favorite for the European Championship. The 2016 Away Jersey is light blue, decorated with the country's tricolor combination of black,yellow, and red, and has the team logo on the left side of the chest. This jersey also sports a superior performance material with ClimaCool technology and its 100% polyester composition.
Find out how to order the Belgium away jersey today.
Croatia home jerseyThe classic checkerboard home kit is updated for 2016. For the Euros, Croatia will wear a jersey inspired by one worn in the 1998 World Cup that also took place in France. Accent color navy is featured around the collar, on the stripes running down the sides, and on the embroidered Nike swoosh. "CROATIA" is screened on the back collar. Sewn on team badge. Dri-FIT technology for moisture protection. 100% Polyester. There's no mistaking this design from all of the Euro 2016 jerseys.
Find out how to order the Croatia home jersey today.
Czech Republic home jerseyThe Czech Republic easily qualified for the country's sixth straight European Championship and will look to improve on 2012's quarterfinals finish. This competition jersey includes an embroidered PUMA logo and is engineered with dryCELL technology to wick moisture away in an effort to keep you dry and comfortable. The jersey is composed of 100% polyester.
Find out how to order the Czech Republic home jersey today.
Czech Republic away jerseyThe Czech Republic goes to the 2016 Euros full of confidence after finishing top of their qualifying group. The team will wear a new away jersey in the traditional white, with red and blue accents. This competition jersey includes an embroidered PUMA logo and is engineered with dryCELL technology to wick moisture away in an effort to keep you dry and comfortable. The jersey is composed of 100% polyester.
Find out how to order the Czech Republic away jersey today.
England home jerseyEngland's new home jersey is classic white with contrasting light blue shoulders and sleeves. Embroidered England federation crest is on the chest, and England is knit into the back collar. The jersey has a relaxed fit and is 100% polyester.
Find out how to order the England home jersey today.
England away jerseyThe 2016 red away jersey honors the 50th anniversary of England's 1966 World Cup victory. Red and navy are cross-dyed to create the darker sleeves and shoulders. Navy blue stripes run down the sides. "ENGLAND" is screened on the back collar. There is a sewn on team crest, and embroidered Nike logo. The jersey has a relaxed fit and is 100% polyester.
Find out how to order the England away jersey today.
France home jersey2016 Euros host France has won the competition twice, once in 2000, and before that in 1984, when they also served as hosts. Les Bleus will take the field in a home jersey in their traditional royal blue with navy highlighting the sleeves and shoulders.
Find out how to order the France home jersey today.
France away jersey2016 Euros host France has won the competition twice, once in 2000, and before that in 1984, when they also served as hosts. Les Tricolores will combine the red, white and blue on the latest away jersey. The jersey is engineered with DriFit technology, has breathable mesh fabric, and is 100% recycled polyester.
Find out how to order the France away jersey today.
Germany home jerseyadidas reimagines a very popular and very successful design for the 2016 home jersey. Germany has worn the traditional white with black home jersey since the first official national team game in 1908. It has ventilated climacool to help keep you cool and dry, and it is made out of 100% polyester for maximum comfort. The jersey is slim fit.
Find out how to order the Germany home jersey today.
Germany away jerseyGet two jerseys in one with this unique reversible design from adidas. To be worn for 2016 European competitions, one side of this jersey is dark gray with black hoops and green sleeves. The jersey is engineered with climacool to help keep you cool and dry, is 100% polyester, and fits true to size. This is one of the most unique designs among the Euro 2016 jerseys.
Find out how to order the Germany away jersey today.
Iceland home jerseyThis is the jersey Iceland will wear this summer as they take on the rest of Europe. The design is inspired by Iceland's flag. Sky blue with red/white stripe that runs through the team badge. The jersey is 100% polyester and provides maximum comfort in warm conditions.
Find out how to order the Iceland home jersey today.
Iceland away jerseyThis is the jersey Iceland will wear this summer as they take on the rest of Europe. The design is inspired by Iceland's flag. Sky blue with red/white stripe that runs through the team badge.
Find out how to order the Iceland away jersey today.
Iceland third jerseyThis is the jersey Iceland will wear this summer as they take on the rest of Europe. The design is inspired by Iceland's flag. Black with red/blue stripe that runs through the team badge. The jersey is 100% polyester and provdes maximim comfort in warm conditions.
Find out how to order the Iceland third jersey today.
Ireland home jerseyThe official 16/17 Ireland Home Jersey from Umbro.
Find out how to order the Ireland home jersey today.
Ireland away jerseyThe official 16/17 Ireland Away Jersey from Umbro.
Find out how to order the Ireland away jersey today.
Italy home jersey2012 runners-up, Italy has one European championship, finishing top in 1968. The 2016 home jersey continues the classic blue always worn by the Azzurri. It is engineered with Puma's DryCell technology for moisture management and is 100% polyester. Not surprisingly, out of all of the Euro 2016 jerseys, the Italy shirt is a classic Azzurri design.
Find out how to order the Italy home jersey today.
Northern Ireland home jerseyFor their first appearance at the European Championship, Northern Ireland will wear a clean design that shows national pride. The jersey combines home color green with blue and white accents. It is engineered with climacool technology to help keep players and fans cool and dry. It is made out of 100% polyester.
Find out how to order the Northern Ireland home jersey today.
Portugal home jerseyPortugal continues with a vivid red body with green accents for the new home jersey. The jersey has special Nike Aeroswift technology in the fabric, side insets and raglan sleeves for increased mobility, and has ll the authentic team details. The authentic fit is more slim then the replica jersey's.
Find out how to order the Portugal home jersey today.
Portugal away jerseyA new shade of green for the away shirt symbolizes Portugal's bright future.The jersey has engineered fabric with Nike's DriFit technology which dries fast, it has raglan sleeves, and is composed of 100% DriFit polyester. The replica has a more relaxed fit then the authentic.
Find out how to order the Portugal away jersey today.
Russia home jerseyRussia qualified outright for the 2016 European Championships, and look to better their 2012 group stage exit. The new home has a large embossed Russian logo on a white background. The jersey has Nike DriFit technology and wicks away moisture helping keep you cool and dry. The 100% polyester jersey provides maximum comfort and moblity. It fits true to size.
Find out how to order the Russia home jersey today.
Russia away jerseyRussia qualified outright for the 2016 European Championships, and look to better their 2012 group stage exit. The new away has a large embossed Russian logo on a white background. The jersey has Nike DriFit technology and wicks away moisture helping keep you cool and dry. The 100% polyester jersey provides maximum comfort and mobility. It fits true to size.
Find out how to order the Russia away jersey today.
Slovakia home jerseySlovakia qualified for its first European Championship since becoming a national team in 1993. Led by captain Martin Skrtel, Slovakia finished comfortably second in its group,with the the most notable win coming over first place finisher Spain. The competition jersey has a sewn on team badge and embroidered PUMA logo. 100% Polyester.
Find out how to order the Slovakia home jersey today.
Spain home jerseySpain is defending back to back champion, owning European Championship trophies from 2008 and 2012. With a hugely successful veteran squad, Spain has won numerous continental titles and a 2010 World Cup. This group is considered one of the best international teams to ever play the game. The jersey has a more relaxed fit then the authentic version, ventilated climacool to keep you cool and dry, and it is 100% polyester. Out of all of the Euro 2016 jerseys, this one is one of the cleanest and boldest designs.
Find out how to order the Spain home jersey today.
Spain away jerseySpain is defending back to back champion, owning European Championship trophies from 2008 and 2012. With a hugely successful veteran squad, Spain has won numerous continental titles and a 2010 World Cup. This group is considered one of the best international teams to ever play the game. The jersey has a more relaxed fit then the authentic version, it has ventilated climacool to keep you cool and dry, and it is 100% polyester.
Find out how to order the Spain away jersey today.
Sweden home jerseyTeam captain and top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic will lead Sweden into the play-offs for spot in the 2016 European Championships. The new yellow home jersey has faint hoops on the front.The jersey has a more relaxed fit then an actual jersey, ventilated climacool to keep you cool and dry, and it is 100% polyester.
Find out how to order the Sweden home jersey today.
Sweden away jerseyTeam captain and top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic will lead Sweden into the play-offs for a spot in the 2016 European Championships. For the away jersey, adidas introduces a fresh new block design with different shades of gray.
Find out how to order the Sweden away jersey today.
Switzerland home jerseyIn 2016, Switzerland will make its third appearance in the European Championships. With a roster full of talented young players, Switzerland looks to get out of the group stage for the first time. The traditional red jersey has a sewn on team badge and embroidered PUMA logo. The jersey has a more relaxed fit then an actual soccer jersey but is still snug, dryCELL technology to keep you cool and dry, and it is 100% polyester.
Find out how to order the Switzerland home jersey today.
Switzerland away jerseySwitzerland will debut an exciting new away shirt for the 2016 Euros. Instead of the traditional solid white, La Nati will wear red and white horizontal stripes. The Swiss cross sits in the center of the top band, which is the widest. The stripes become thinner from the chest down to the hem. The jersey has a more relaxed fit then an actual soccer jersey but is still snug, dryCELL technology to keep you cool and dry, and it is 100% polyester
Find out how to order the Switzerland away jersey today.
Turkey home jerseyTurkey is seeking to emerge as a major power in European football. The Turkish National Team will feature this new red and black home kit that pays homage to their national pride with a micro-geometric pattern that is modeled after the mosaic nature of Byzantine architecture. The jersey is composed of 100% recycled Dri-Fit polyester and has breathable mesh fabric that delivers optimal ventilation. The jersey is not as tight as authentic jersey's.
Find out how to order the Turkey home jersey today.
Turkey away jerseyTurkey salutes its heritage with the new away jersey — one of the most innovative of all of the Euro 2016 jerseys. The geometric shapes that cover the shirt are taken from the mosaics found in Byzantine architecture. The jersey is composed of 100% recycled Dri-Fit polyester and has breathable mesh fabric that delivers optimal ventilation. The jersey is not as tight as authentic jersey's. Starting predominantly white at the top, the design gets darker, finishing in vibrant turquoise at the hem.
Find out how to order the Turkey away jersey today.
Wales home jerseyWales will make their debut at the European Championship in this classic shirt. Traditional color red combines with white accents. The Welsh team badge sits proudly on the chest. V neck collar. Adidas stripes on the shoulders. ClimaCool technology. Polyester. With this being the first major tournament Wales has qualified for since 1958, this will be a collector's item out of all of the Euro 2016 jerseys.
Find out how to order the Wales home jersey today.
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England Lionesses' Jobs Outside Of Football - Domino's, Chippy, Toy Shop And Law Degree
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Although women's football has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years, it remains a world apart from the men's game in terms of the money on offer. Players in the Women's Super League typically earn between £30,000 and £400,000 per year, with some on the lower end of the scale being forced to work second jobs in order to make ends meet.
Express Sport takes a look at some of England's big-name players and their jobs outside of football ahead of the Lionesses' crunch clash against Scotland - which will determine whether or not Team GB make it to the Olympics.
Lucy BronzeLucy Bronze has been in the England setup from the age of 16 but needed another job to support herself in the early stages of her career. The 31-year-old balanced football with her studies at Leeds Beckett University and worked at a Headingley branch of pizza chain Domino's at the same time.
She told The Telegraph in 2017 that she thought about quitting football due to injuries and financial problems, saying: "I thought: 'OK, I might have to stop and think about getting a proper job'. I had huge debt and repeated knee injuries and was hobbling around on crutches for a year. I missed almost two-and-a-half years of games.
"All my friends were overtaking me, and I was working in a bar at a five-a-side centre in Leeds and then in a Domino's Pizza. I mastered all the skills of the pizza business."
Football eventually worked out well for Bronze and her former Domino's branch was renamed Lucy's in her honour following England's historic Euros triumph last year.
Bethany EnglandBethany England was spinning three plates during her first year in the WSL, working in a Barnsley fish and chip shop while studying at college and playing for the Doncaster Belles. She initially earned just £150 per month from football, leading her to take several other jobs such as working in a bakery, a factory, an Indian restaurant and an M&S.
"I ended up working for three-and-a-half years in a chippy, doing night shifts on a Friday and Saturday," she revealed earlier this year.
The Lionesses forward also explained that she now studies law in preparation for life after football, saying: "I've always been interested in law. I used to watch CSI, Criminal Minds and Law & Order with my mum, but I'm really interested in the family side of things and I would eventually like to work in family law.
"I never thought football would be a full-time job, so I always knew education would have to come into it. After football you need to make sure you have something set up, ready for that transition."
Millie Bright has come a long way from holding down two jobs and playing semi-professionally to hitting the big time with Chelsea and England. She was another product of the Doncaster Belles and previously split her time between football, working in a leisure centre and another job at a local stable.
"I was a fitness instructor at a leisure centre, a horse groom and I had to manage my football on top of that," said Bright in 2019. "It was hard but I had to juggle everything in semi-pro, but that's what happens in women's football.
"Some players are lucky enough to start with a professional contract but some have started with nothing, doing two and three jobs, fighting to be professional, so that's why my proudest moment was signing my first contract for Chelsea because I never thought that would happen."
Mary EarpsEngland goalkeeper Mary Earps is up there with the safest hands in the women's game but previously juggled several part-time jobs to raise enough petrol money to train. She used to work in a cinema, a toy shop and even for her dad's company, while she also took two coaching jobs to fund her travel costs.
"I had quite a few jobs to pay for my boots and petrol, basically," said Earps. "I used to get expenses with Doncaster but there was no real money in the game back then. At first I had not passed my driving test so I was relying on my local team-mates for help.
"There was a girl who even drove from Southampton up to Doncaster and used to pick me up on the way. It is mad how the game has changed since then."
Leah Williamson is not in England's current Nations League squad due to injury but would ordinarily be a key member of the Lionesses side and is still the captain. She is currently undertaking a part-time course in accountancy through the FA ahead of a career change when she eventually decides to hang up her boots.
"You should dedicate your life to football," Williamson told City AM in 2020. "I have to, I'm an athlete, but it shouldn't be everything, the be-all and end-all. I do it [studying] to keep some sort of balance, always doing something outside of football.
"But also, I'm under no illusions that I'm not going to be able to retire at the end of my career and be fine for the rest of my life. I will have to work again and maybe that's where I have come in [to the sport] just a little too early, in terms of hopefully one day these girls will earn enough that they are set for life.
"If a boy signs for an academy aged 16 he is generally set for life. It's a massive contrast in our game and I'm aware of that. It's ridiculous to think that once your career finishes you are going to be fine and set."
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Unfortunately for England and Sarina Wiegman, she won't be able to call on legendary Lionesses Jill Scott and Ellen White to help her side get over the line against Scotland because both have now long retired.
However, there was a time when they both had to balance day jobs with their football careers. Record England's Women's scorer White had to get a 9-5 job during her early days playing for Arsenal.
The now 34-year-old actually worked for the club as a full-time Sports Development Officer as well as a player while also studying Sports Science at Loughborough University. She had to go the gym before work, train in the evenings and balance playing matches with her day job.
Scott, meanwhile, who is the second-most capped Lionesses player of all time, owns a coffee shop in Manchester with her fiancee Shelly Unitt.
Boxx2Boxx, which is cleverly named after Jill's playing style, opened its doors back in 2020 and has welcomed famous footballers from Manchester and the surrounding areas over the past few years.
Scott is often seen working at the shop and was even pictured holding a dustpan and brush behind the counter just days after helping England claim Euros glory.
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