Louis Saha’s journey began with a heated transfer saga and has since evolved into one of football’s most remarkable success stories. The former striker, who once fought for opportunities at the very top of the Premier League, is today the head of a global business valued at billions.
From Fulham’s promotion push to Manchester United’s iconic No. 9 shirt, and now to the helm of a £4.3 billion fortune, his path has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Saha first arrived in England on loan with Newcastle United in 1999, making 11 league appearances before moving to Fulham from Metz for £2.1 million the following year. The transfer proved shrewd. In his debut season he scored 27 goals, driving Fulham to Premier League promotion and earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
His impact in the top flight was immediate. He netted eight goals in his first season, followed by five and then 13, confirming his reputation as one of Fulham’s most reliable forwards. January 2004, Manchester United came calling. Fulham rejected two bids before Saha voiced his frustration, accusing the club of being “not honest” about his future and warning he would leave for free in 2006 if denied the move.
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United eventually secured his signature for £12.8 million. Saha inherited the No. 9 shirt once worn by Andy Cole, describing the switch as a dream despite the difficulty of leaving Fulham behind.
Career across England and Europe
At Old Trafford Saha faced fierce competition from Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and later Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. Injuries further curtailed his opportunities, yet he still managed 42 goals in 124 appearances during his four-year spell.
He later joined Everton on a pay-as-you-play deal. Though fitness issues persisted, he remained capable of decisive moments, including a scoring run in seven consecutive matches during the 2009–10 season. Tottenham Hotspur signed him on a free transfer in January 2012, and he added three goals before being released that summer.
A short stint at Sunderland followed, and he concluded his career at Lazio in Italy before retiring from the professional game.
Building a multi billion business
Retirement marked the beginning of another chapter. Saha co-founded AxisStars alongside Kate Hamer, Patrice Arnera and former Manchester United marketing head Mike Farnan. The digital platform connects athletes, entertainers, and their trusted advisers, helping them share knowledge and manage opportunities beyond the pitch.
Today AxisStars boasts thousands of members, including more than 500 former professionals, and is valued at more than £3.5 billion. This success has propelled Saha’s personal wealth to approximately £4.3 billion.
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He has often stated that the idea stemmed from the absence of support systems during his career, and that such a network might have helped him prepare more effectively for life after football.
His ascent is remarkable, though not entirely unique. Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has amassed considerable post-retirement wealth through his biochemical company. Unlike Flamini, however, Saha has remained firmly within the world of sport, using business innovation to directly benefit other professionals.
