Once a prominent figure on the football pitch, Reece Wabara has made a successful transition into the world of business, trading his football boots for the helm of a thriving fashion label, Maniere De Voir.
The former Manchester City player, who made his mark in various clubs across the English Football League, has demonstrated the potency of adaptability and strategic planning in building a successful post-sporting career.
Wabara’s football journey, though significant, was relatively short-lived. Having started his professional career at Manchester City, he made only one appearance for the team, spending most of his playing days on loan at clubs like Ipswich Town, Oldham Athletic, Blackpool, and Doncaster Rovers. In 2014, he signed a permanent deal with Doncaster, followed by stints at Barnsley, Wigan Athletic, and Bolton Wanderers, where he chose to hang up his boots in 2017.
Even while navigating the unpredictable world of football, Wabara had an eye on his future. In 2013, prior to his permanent move to Doncaster, he launched Maniere De Voir, a fashion label that started with a modest initial investment of £15,000.
His venture into the fashion world was not a random decision; his father had always instilled in him the importance of having a backup plan, and his school friend, Gymshark co-founder Lewis Morgan, played a pivotal role in guiding him into the industry.
The fruits of Wabara’s labor have been abundant. Today, Maniere De Voir boasts an annual turnover of £34.7 million, attracting a slew of high-profile celebrities and athletes such as Anthony Joshua, Raheem Sterling, and Perrie Edwards of Little Mix fame.
His success in the business world serves as a potent reminder of what can be achieved when one looks beyond a time-sensitive career like professional sports and embraces the opportunities that lie in other industries.
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