Reece Wabara: Former Manchester City Star Quits Football in His 20s to Build a £35 Million Fashion Empire

Reece Wabara, a former youth player at Manchester City, was once heralded as a promising talent in football. However, he made the surprising decision to leave the sport in his mid-20s. Now, at 32, Wabara has successfully transitioned into the fashion industry, establishing a business that reportedly generates millions.

Early Career at Manchester City

Wabara emerged from the Manchester City academy, where he was considered one of the club’s brightest prospects. He made his debut for the first team on the final day of the 2010/11 season. Following his time at City, he had loan spells with Ipswich Town, Oldham Athletic, Blackpool, and Doncaster Rovers before officially leaving the club in 2014.

After departing Manchester City, Wabara signed with Doncaster Rovers on a permanent basis. He also had brief stints with Barnsley, Wigan, and Bolton before retiring from professional football in 2017.

Transition to Business

After hanging up his boots, Wabara shifted his focus to entrepreneurship. He launched his fashion brand, Maniere de Voir, which has since flourished. Reports indicate that the brand generates approximately £35 million annually, with its flagship store opening on Oxford Street in London in 2023.

Wabara’s decision to prioritize his business over football stemmed from a desire for long-term stability. He recognized that while he could have continued playing, the likelihood of achieving top-tier success in football was diminishing.

Reflections on His Football Career

In a recent interview, Wabara reflected on his football journey, acknowledging moments of complacency. He stated that he had been told he would play for England and become Manchester City’s next right-back, but he ultimately felt he fell short of those expectations. He expressed a sense of paranoia about the fleeting nature of a football career, emphasizing that one major mistake could end it all.

Wabara also discussed the challenges of being perceived as a player who was more focused on his business than on football. He noted that this perception contributed to misunderstandings about his dedication to the sport.

Personal Life and Relationships

During his time at Manchester City, Wabara was linked romantically to two actresses from the popular television series “Coronation Street.” Helen Flanagan, one of the actresses, mentioned in her memoir that she had a brief relationship with him. She described Wabara as charming but noted that their relationship was never serious.

Conclusion

Reece Wabara’s journey from a promising football career to a successful business venture illustrates the unpredictable nature of professional sports. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability and the pursuit of personal passions beyond the field.

As reported by www.mirror.co.uk.

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Published on 2026-05-03 09:30:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk