The footballer who made more money off the pitch than on it
From stadium lights to concrete and contracts
For many professional footballers, financial success is closely tied to their performances on the field. But in rare cases, the most lucrative decisions happen far from stadiums, locker rooms, and transfer negotiations.
Florin Tănase, a well known Romanian international and current FCSB player, has quietly built a real estate business that now rivals, and possibly surpasses, his football earnings. The story surfaced publicly only after comments made by a former football executive revealed the scale of the investment.
A residential project with surprising returns
Tănase, 30, entered the real estate market alongside FIFA licensed agent Florin Vulturar, developing a premium residential complex in northern Bucharest, one of the city’s most expensive and sought after areas.
According to Fanatik.ro, the details became public after Dumitru Dragomir, former president of Romania’s Professional Football League, spoke about the project during a media appearance.
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“Tănase built four apartment buildings together with Vulturar. They built four buildings and made around 20 million euros. Almost everything has been sold,” Dragomir said.
Where the money comes from
The complex was developed on land previously owned by FCSB club owner Gigi Becali, according to Ziare.com. Around 75 percent of the apartments have already been sold.
The development targets high income buyers. Apartment prices reportedly start at roughly 120,000 euros and exceed 268,000 euros plus VAT for four room units.
Several buyers are also connected to football, including players such as Risto Radunovic, Andrei Cordea, Deian Sorescu, and former defender Tony da Silva, according to Ziare.com.
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Why this matters beyond football
For readers outside the sports world, this story reflects a broader trend, elite athletes increasingly investing in long term assets while still active in their careers.
Professional football salaries can be volatile, depending on form, injuries, or transfers. Real estate, particularly in capital city premium zones, offers stability and post career security.
Northern Bucharest has seen steady price growth over the past decade, driven by business hubs, international schools, and infrastructure expansion, making it a favored area for high end residential projects.
Income on and off the pitch
Despite his business success, Tănase remains one of the highest paid players in Romania’s top division. At FCSB, he earns approximately 30,000 euros per month.
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Between 2022 and 2024, he played in the Gulf region, representing Al Jazira in the United Arab Emirates and Al Okhdood in Saudi Arabia. Those contracts significantly strengthened his financial position and likely enabled the scale of his real estate investment.
A new model for athlete wealth in Eastern Europe
Tănase’s case highlights a shift in how Eastern European athletes manage and grow wealth. Rather than waiting until retirement, some players are building parallel careers while still active.
If successful, these ventures can redefine what financial independence looks like for athletes in leagues that operate far below Western Europe’s salary levels.
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