When it comes to divorce, no one is immune – not even the world’s highest-earning sports stars. In fact, their high net worth and fame can often make the process even more complicated, leading to some of the most expensive divorce settlements in history.
Although rumours of an impossible settlement between PSG and Morocco star Achraf Hakimi and his wife have gone viral here are 10 confirmed divorce settlements that rocked the sports universe.
Roman and Irina Abramovich
Roman Abramovich, former owner of Chelsea football club, is said to have had the world’s most expensive divorce settlement. He divorced his first wife, Irina, in 2007, with whom he has five children. In the settlement, Abramovich transferred at least four homes to Irina, including an £18 million estate in West Sussex, as well as two London homes in Eaton Square and Chester Square, and paid her a large sum of money. It is estimated that the settlement cost somewhere between £1 billion to £2 billion.
Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen
One of the most talked-about celebrity divorce cases is that of NFL quarterback Tom Brady and supermodel Gisele Bundchen. They are known for their successful careers and high net worth. The details of their separation have not been publicly disclosed, but social media speculates that it may have been amicable.
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Michael and Juanita Jordan
Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time, divorced his wife Juanita in 2006, citing “irreconcilable differences” after being married for 17 years. She filed for divorce in 2002 but withdrew it to save their marriage. Juanita received just over $168 million in the settlement.
Greg Norman and Laura Andrassy
Golfer Greg Norman married Laura Andrassy, a former flight attendant, and they were together for 22 years. Norman, known as “The Shark,” ended up paying Laura just over $100 million upon their divorce in 2007. Norman later married tennis legend Chris Evert in 2008 but separated a year later.
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Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren
One of the most infamous and costly divorces was that of golf champion Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren. Woods’ extramarital affairs became public after he crashed his car into a fire hydrant in 2009. Elin received more than $100 million in the settlement.
Lance Armstrong and Kristin Richard
Cyclist Lance Armstrong was considered one of the best athletes in history before his doping scandal was exposed. He married journalist Kristin Richard in 1998, had three children, and divorced in 2003 after beginning a relationship with singer Sheryl Crow. Armstrong paid Richard a little more than $17 million in the settlement.
Alex Rodriguez and Cynthia Scurtis
New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez married Cynthia Scurtis in 2002, but they divorced in 2008. Cynthia cited “emotional abandonment” and “out-of-wedlock affairs” on Alex’s part. The cost of the divorce has never been publicly disclosed, but it is known to have been several million dollars.
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Mike Tyson and Robin Givens
Mike Tyson and actress Robin Givens married in 1988 but separated after one year. Givens accused Tyson of threatening to kill her and having violent outbursts. Givens received nearly $10 million in the settlement.
Shaquille and Shaunie O’Neal
Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal had a prenuptial agreement with his wife, Shaunie Nelson, when they married in 2002 to protect his $290 million estate. They divorced in 2009 after having four children, and Shaunie has received $192,000 each year in child support for herself and their children, totaling $2.5 million to date.
Hulk Hogan and Linda Hogan
WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan married Linda Claridge in 1983. They divorced in 2009 after Linda claimed that Hulk had cheated on her with their daughter’s friend. Linda received 70% of the couple’s liquid assets.