Visiting King Charles
The ex-footballer who is now a multi-billionaire
Updated April 24, 2026 – 3:57 amReading time: 2 minutes
Mathieu Flamini made a name for himself in the sports world at top clubs like Arsenal and Milan. Today he is a successful businessman among influential people.
Three-time FA Cup winner, player of the 2007/08 season and Italian champion: Mathieu Flamini celebrated great success in his active career, mainly with Arsenal FC and AC Milan. Many years later he also shook King Charles’ hand.
During his time as a professional, the former midfield specialist Flamini laid the foundation for a further career and built up a second mainstay. Instead of duels in midfield, his commitment to sustainable technologies is what shapes his everyday life today. This recently even led him into political circles.
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On Instagram, Flamini shared a picture of King Charles III thanking him. the hand is enough. Under the post, the 42-year-old Frenchman wrote: “His Majesty King Charles is committed to the bioeconomy.” Europe is at a turning point. “Act now or fall behind. The USA is expanding. China is moving up a gear,” it continued. Meanwhile, Europe’s industrial advantage is dwindling, especially in chemistry. His suggested solution? “Green chemistry.”
Background: Flamini founded the company “GF Biochemicals” in 2008 together with his business partner Pasquale Granata. The company produces levulinic acid – a substance that is considered a possible alternative to fossil fuels and can be used in various industries. The idea came about during Flamini’s time in Milan, where he met Granata. Both pursued the goal of developing a sustainable solution in the areas of energy and chemistry. For a long time it was considered too expensive to produce, but a process developed together with universities made production economically viable.
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While the company developed, Flamini’s career in professional football ran parallel. In total, he played 427 competitive games, became Italian champions with AC Milan and won the cup three times with Arsenal FC. He also reached the final of the Champions League in 2006. After retiring around seven years ago, Flamini devoted himself entirely to his company. The economic success came: According to Forbes, his assets are estimated at around eleven billion euros.