Sports Stars Flying High: 10 Athletes and Their 10 Private Jets
It is no secret that some sports stars are crazy rich. To a point, where you start to wonder: where do they spend all that money? Well, the answer is right in front of you: they buy themselves comfort.
A private jet usually costs tens of millions, and it comes with additional regular expenses: maintenance, parking lot, pilot and cabin crew, and much more.
On the other hand, it gives you freedom, allowing you to be anywhere, anytime. Due to the tight training schedule and competitions happening around-the-globe, it is undoubtedly a way to buy yourself some spare time and comfort befitting your needs.
To this day, there are hundreds of stars owning their private jets, but just for now, let’s have a glimpse at the ten world-famous athletes and their private jets.
1. Tiger Woods – Gulfstream G550
Without a doubt, the most famous golf player in the world today and one of the richest athletes. Since 2016, his injuries have prevented him from competing in various competitions, but skipping some is no problem to the legend.
Even if he were to retire today, his name and endorsement deals would allow him to enjoy the rest of his life with full pockets.
The richest man in golf history owns a jet befitting his achievements: the Gulfstream G550. The €53 million jet has a range of over 12 000 kilometers and can reach a speed of nearly 1100 km/h!
You could say he hit an ace in the hole with this purchase.
2. David & Victoria Beckham – Bombardier Challenger 350
Considered one of the most popular British couples, Victoria and David Beckham both paved their way to success. Over 20 years of marriage, the couple has had their fair share of headlines in their respective industries. The Beckhams made a fortune and in-turn created a life for themselves many of us could envy.
For someone as famous as David Beckham, having to travel from Hollywood to the UK, a private jet is the easiest solution. The couple bought themselves a Bombardier Challenger 350 for as much as €16 million. The jet can reach a maximum speed of 870 km/h and a range of 5 700 km. Beckham may not be bending as he used to in his prime, but he’s still got the class.
3. Floyd Mayweather – Gulfstream G650
There probably aren’t many who like to show off their wealth, but the UFC legend Floyd Mayweather is definitely not shying away. The 43-year-old must be one of the best defensive boxers in the history of the sport and he is proud of every penny he has earned.
Floyd goes by the nickname of ‘Money’ and he truly lives up to his nickname. Having earned well over €1 billion throughout his career, and maintaining a net worth of over €500 million even after his retirement proves it.
Back in 2018, to celebrate his 41st birthday, he gave himself a present: a brand new Gulfstream G650 private jet. As if he didn’t have two private jets before.
The €60 million aircraft might sound expensive, but not to him. The jet is equipped with twin-engine technology, capable of reaching a speed of 1050 km/h and carry around 15 people at once.
Aside from it being one of the newest aircraft in the market, the jet is also full of features to promote none other than Floyd himself.
Named ‘Air Mayweather’, the Gulfstream’s fuselage is proudly covered with the name ‘Mayweather’, whereas tips of the wings display a sign sign ’50-0’ representing his flawless career ride. And of course, he even has a ground mat which says ‘TBE’: The Best Ever.
What a way to celebrate yourself, right?
4. LeBron James – Gulfstream G280
The four-time NBA MVP has already achieved his fame and fortune both on and off the court. LeBron’s net worth of over €450 million speaks for itself. But family man as he is, a private jet is his way of spending more time with his loved ones.
A €20 million Gulfstream G280 can fly as fast as 900 km/h and travel up to nearly 6700 km over a single flight. The 10-seat aircraft is a perfect means of luxury transport and serves as an ideal choice if you want to have the freedom to travel wherever, whenever.
LeBron puts this jet to use whenever he seems fit, but even owning a private aircraft doesn’t stop him from being a great father. Once, in-between his Lakers games, James flew to watch his son, LeBron James Jr., play a match.
You would probably do the same if you had a private jet.
5. Michael Jordan – Gulfstream G550
One of the greatest of all times, Michael Jordan is also without a doubt one of the richest athletes in the world. Well, consider this: he had his sneakers line produced by Nike 30 years ago. To add a cherry on top, the recent Netflix documentary also helped him build up his fortune.
His private jet, a Gulfstream G-IV was originally painted in Carolina Blue color, referring to his time in North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, he decided for a changeover: his jet was recently re-painted in a tan and grey elephant design, representing his Jordan Brand gear.
Gulfstream G550 costs roughly €38 million, can fly up to 12 500 km and reach the speed of 941 km/h. To a man called ‘his Airness’, with a net worth of over €1 billion, this private jet suits perfectly well.
6. Conor McGregor – Airbus A318-112
Born and raised in Ireland, McGregor is a great example of building a career with your own two hands. His world-famous fight against Floyd Mayweather helped him reach his wealth records, earning nearly €90 million for the fight. Now he’s one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
The stars of the UFC world love to show-of their wealth. Similarly to Floyd Mayweather, Conor McGregor enjoys boasting his riches and using it for both business and pleasure.
Although it is not yet certain whether the Notorious Airways or Airbus A318 which was used to fly a select number of fans to his fight against F. Mayweather, is precisely McGregors, it is a fancy private jet indeed.
Seating up to 32 passengers, the jet can take you up to 5700 km with a speed of 871 km/h. The name of the plane suits a man like McGregor. For a man of €100 million net worth, this plane must’ve cost him a fortune of €50 million.
Well, but that might not mean much. He did get double the amount for a single fight, after all.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo – Gulfstream G650
By now you’ve probably been wondering if there are any football stars on the list. Wait no longer. Cristiano Ronaldo is the most famous football player to date and without a doubt one of the richest.
He enjoys his life to the fullest and is not the greedy type. Aside from lots of charity work he’s done, he shares his wealth whenever he can. For example, leaves an €18 000 tip at a hotel for the service.
Gulfstream G650 by no surprise is a perfect aircraft for a man like CR7. A price tag of over €52 million, this 18-seat beauty is considered to be the fastest private jet, reaching a speed of up to 980 km/h.
In a typical Ronaldo fashion, the plane is branded with his signature number: CR7.
8. Lionel Messi – Gulfstream V
Next in line is none other than Lionel Messi. Both Ronaldo and Messi are considered to be the kings of football.
Lionel’s private jet is said to be worth €23 million, which proves how important a quality ride is.
The Gulfstream V can travel up to 10 000 km in a single ride and Messi uses it to go on vacation with his family. As he said himself, Ibiza and Antigua are his choices for holiday destinations.
The few details on the private jet make it stand out among the others: the aircraft stairs that lead onto it contain the names of those closest to him: wife Antonella and the three Children: Ciro, Thiago, and Mateo.
That’s a cute way to surprise your family.
9. Neymar – Cessna Citation Sovereign
The Brazilian superstar and a Paris Saint Germain forward Neymar is among those who enjoy luxury. Famous for his wild parties and expressive personality, Neymar bought himself a Cessna Citation Sovereign.
The 12-seated private jet can fly up to 5200 km and reach a speed of 848 km/h. This is a huge upgrade to Neymar, as he had previously owned a much simpler private jet – Embraer 100, which, to compare, could only fly up to 2500 km per flight.
The decision for the upgrade, unfortunately, didn’t come without controversy. Neymar got into a disagreement with tax authorities and eventually pleaded guilty, resulting in his private yacht and the Embraer jet being seized.
But, Neymar being Neymar and Neymar Sports E-Marketing being his private company, it didn’t take long for them to acquire the new Cessna.
The Brazilian was quick to get back to the skies and continue to shine in the football world.
10. Lewis Hamilton – Bombardier Challenger 605 (formerly)
Expensive houses, private yachts, exotic cars – Lewis Hamilton has it all. All of it speaks as nothing but success for an experienced Formula-1 driver. At some point, he even had a fancy pure-red private jet.
But this aircraft didn’t come without controversy as well. The jet was even mentioned in the Paradise papers because the 35-year-old got a €3.7 million VAT refund on the purchase.
This, however, was not the main reason behind Hamilton’s decision to sell the €35 million candy-red plane. He started to shift his lifestyle to a greener one and avoid the Co2 emissions he is causing with each flight.
The Bombardier Challenger 605 was one sweet ride. The cherry can reach a speed of up to 870 km/h and get you across 7400 kilometers, which for Hamilton was an extremely comfortable means of transport.
Now, however, the jet has been sold, and Hamilton went from not eating meat to not having a private jet and choosing to help the environment if at least a little bit.
