On May 22, 2011, young right-back Reece Wabara made his debut for Manchester City in a 2-0 away win against Bolton. After three loan spells and playing for four clubs in the following three seasons, the once-promising talent retired from football at 26.

Despite making over 100 professional appearances, mostly in England’s lower leagues, Wabara co-founded the fashion brand “Manière De Voir” with his friend Louis Morgan while still a player.

Ending his playing career allowed him to focus entirely on his fashion business—a decision that proved successful. Starting with an initial investment of over €10,000 for a 17% stake, the company quickly grew to a seven-figure valuation.

The brand’s flexible pricing, offering affordable T-shirts and sportswear while attracting high-profile figures like boxer Anthony Joshua and footballer Raheem Sterling, led to massive success.

Wabara’s company, primarily focused on women’s fashion and active for just over a decade, is now valued at €85 million. According to The Times, the former player ranks 33rd on the list of the world’s wealthiest young entrepreneurs.

With an income of around €130,000, Wabara now fully owns “Manère De Voir.” After operating online for a decade, the brand opened its first London store in 2023, followed by an STO in New York a year later.

In a 2022 CEOCAST podcast, Wabara said: “Everyone told me how great I’d be, that I’d play for England and become City’s next right-back. It wasn’t enough. Now I’m very cautious—I realized everything can end in a year. One big mistake, and you’re out. I knew I was playing a dangerous game. I couldn’t let others dictate my future.”

He explained his decision to quit football: “I was 25 or 26. I had to choose what was more sustainable and where I could excel. I had to make the logical decision—to focus on my business and take it to the top.”

Reece Wabara says he’s happy about missing his chance at Manchester City—and the reason is crystal clear.