When Arsenal fans reminisce about the club’s golden eras, certain names immediately come to mind: Wright, Henry, Bergkamp, Vieira, Adams. All feature as the top 5 Arsenal players of all time, according to Ranker (1).
Each of them have also enjoyed financial success to varying degrees since hanging up their boots – from punditry and media work to stepping into management themselves. All would have been popular picks on the top 20 UK betting sites during their playing days – and some still are in managerial markets.
How old is Ian Wright – and how did he build his fortune?
Born on 3 November 1963, Ian Wright is 62 years old. His journey from local south London leagues to Arsenal legend is well documented: 185 goals for the Gunners, multiple domestic honours, and a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers during the 1990s.
But Wright didn’t stop at the final whistle. Transitioning smoothly into media, he became a regular face on television and radio, appearing on talk shows, football panels, and podcasts. This work, alongside brand endorsements and commercial projects, has substantially bolstered his wealth.
So, how much is Ian Wright worth today? Estimates place his net worth at US$20 million, roughly £15.6 million, making him a wealthy former professional, though not the richest among Arsenal greats (2).
How Ian Wright’s net worth compares to other Arsenal legends
When examining Arsenal legends, the financial rankings reveal an interesting spectrum of earnings and post-career opportunities.
Thierry Henry leads the pack with an estimated worth of $130 million (£101million) having been one of the most marketable athletes during the height of his playing days and now in a high-profile media role.
Dennis Bergkamp, often celebrated for his elegance on the ball and low-key lifestyle off it, sits next with around $40 million (£31 million), showing that wealth can come from careful management and enduring fame (3).
Patrick Vieira follows, with an estimated $33 million (£26 million), earned through a blend of playing, coaching, and punditry.
Next is Wright, whose £15–16 million fortune positions him firmly among Arsenal’s upper tier. His wealth is largely driven by his media presence and business ventures post-retirement.
Finally, Tony Adams rounds out this list with a more modest $1 million (£780,000). While his financial footprint may be smaller, Adams’ contribution as a one-club captain and defensive stalwart remains legendary.
In essence, Henry dominates financially, Bergkamp and Vieira occupy the middle ground, Wright impresses both on and off the pitch, and Adams’ legacy is measured more in loyalty and leadership than wealth.
Ian Wright’s TV salary
Soon after hanging up his boots, Wright stepped into a media career as part of the Match of the Day crew back in 1997.
After decades with BBC’s flagship football programme, Wright officially left his role in 2024, but still works as a pundit for ITV as well as other media ventures.
According to financial reports (4) from his company, Elanar Ltd, Wright enjoyed a bumper year from his media commitments in the year ending July 2024.
The report showed that his firm paid a whopping £549,000 in corporation tax, which suggests he made a profit of £2.2million during that period.
Not only does Wright earn from his punditry work, he is also a regular in TV commercials for brands such as Marks & Spencers and Adidas.
References:
(1) https://www.ranker.com/list/best-arsenal-players-of-all-time/ranker-soccer
(2) https://www.celebritynetworth.com
(3) https://www.celebsmoney.com
(4) https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/34732388/ian-wright-highest-paid-pundit-eni-aluko/