How 10 Global Football Stars Secured UAE Golden Visas and Established Regional Ties
The United Arab Emirates has established a long-term residency pathway for elite international athletes under its Golden Visa programme. Introduced in 2019 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the initiative initially targeted investors, entrepreneurs, and specialised professionals. In 2020, the UAE Cabinet expanded the eligibility criteria to include exceptional sporting talent, with assistance from the Dubai Sports Council.
The expansion formed part of the UAE’s broader economic diversification strategies, including the We the UAE 2031 initiative and Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda. By granting renewable five- or 10-year residency permits, the programme allows foreign nationals to live, work, study, and invest in the country without needing a local employer or sponsor. Golden Visa holders can also sponsor family members and domestic workers, remain outside the UAE for longer than six months without forfeiting residency, and complete application steps via a six-month entry visa. Below is an overview of 10 prominent footballers who received the residency and their ongoing engagements in the country.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, and Ronaldinho
Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo received his 10-year Golden Visa in February 2020 while playing for Juventus, following his sixth Best Men's Player award at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in December 2019. Ronaldo, who later joined Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr in January 2023 with a contract extending through June 2027, has maintained close ties to Dubai. He acquired a €25 million plot of land on Jumeirah Bay Island to build a custom waterfront property and has participated in local events, including Expo 2020 Dubai.
Former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba was awarded his Golden Visa in November 2020 by Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Marri, director of Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Drogba was also presented with the Medal of First Line of Defence for supporting the Dubai Sports Council’s Be Fit, Be Safe campaign. His commercial interests in the region cover sports academies, real estate, and appearances at technology and investment conferences such as AIBC Eurasia.
Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho received his 10-year visa in May 2021. He subsequently signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi-based Palms Sports to combine athletic development with academic paths for young Emirati athletes. Ronaldinho also made preparations to launch the Ronaldinho Football Academy in Dubai, alongside participating in various regional commercial and technology exhibitions.
Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, and Luís Figo
French midfielder Paul Pogba secured his Golden Visa in February 2020, having frequently used high-performance facilities in Dubai such as Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex and Transform Altitude Performance Center for training. In late 2025, Pogba became a major shareholder and global ambassador for Al Haboob, a Saudi-founded professional camel racing team that competes across the Gulf region and utilizes sports science, data tracking, and robotic jockey technology.
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku also received his residency in February 2020 while playing for Inter Milan. During his visits, Lukaku spoke at the 14th Dubai International Sports Conference regarding technology and tackling online racism, and regularly utilizes the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex during European league winter breaks.
Former Portuguese international and 2000 Ballon d’Or winner Luís Figo obtained his visa during the same February 2020 initiative. Figo supported the Dubai Sports Council’s health campaigns, collaborated with Mastercard Middle East and Africa during Expo 2020 Dubai, and participated in a Guinness World Record parabolic flight football match coordinated through Dubai.
Roberto Carlos, Miralem Pjanić, Rio Ferdinand, and Patrice Evra
Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos joined the programme in February 2020. In August 2026, he became a co-owner and shareholder of Dubai-based Fursan Hispania FC alongside Michel Salgado and Fernando Hierro. Carlos has also partnered with ISD Sports City to launch educational training for over 1,000 young players through the Real Madrid Foundation, and conducted clinics linked to Real Madrid World at Dubai Parks and Resorts.
Bosnian midfielder Miralem Pjanić received his visa in February 2020 while at Juventus and later played in the UAE Pro League for Sharjah FC between 2022 and 2024, winning both the UAE President’s Cup and the UAE League Cup. Following his playing spell, Pjanić involved himself with the Dubai-based Mundial Football Academy to train grassroots talent.
Former England captain Rio Ferdinand relocated his family to Dubai's Al Barari neighborhood in August 2025 after leaving his UK broadcast role at TNT Sports. Ferdinand uses the UAE as a base for his digital media platform, Rio Presents, spoke at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, partnered with LEOS Developments in real estate, and co-operates Football Escapes, a youth coaching concept at luxury resorts.
Former French national team captain Patrice Evra was awarded his visa in 2021 and resides in a Palm Jumeirah penthouse. Evra has established UAE-based businesses spanning fitness, beauty, and technology. He partnered with Major Developments on the Colibri Views project in Ras Al Khaimah, which features an AI-driven rooftop Footbot simulator, and launched Love This Game FC in Dubai to train young talent for potential trials in Europe and the UK.
