During his time at Arsenal, Alex Song admits to being a “waster” when it came to his finances. The Cameroonian joined the Gunners in 2005 on loan and impressed Arsene Wenger enough to earn a permanent deal. He would go on to play for the club for seven years, but it wasn’t until the last four years that he began to earn a good living. It was then that he realized how much of a “waster” he had been with his money. Despite this, Song claims that money was his main motivating factor for leaving Arsenal to sign for Barcelona, even though he knew he wouldn’t play much.
In a recent Instagram chat with NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam, Song admitted that most footballers live beyond their means. He said that during his entire time at Arsenal, he couldn’t even save £100,000, while people thought he must be a millionaire. When Barcelona offered him a contract, and he saw how much he would earn, he didn’t think twice. He felt that his wife and children should have comfortable lives once his career is over. He met Barca’s sporting director, who told him he would not get to play many games, but Song didn’t care. He knew that now he would become a millionaire.
After predictably limited opportunities at Barca, Song joined West Ham on two season-long loan deals between 2014 and 2016 before spells at Rubin Kazan in Russia and Swiss side Sion. Now 35, the 6ft 1in ace plays for ambitious side Arta/Solar in Djibouti. Previously joined there by former Hammers team-mate Diafra Sakho, Song has won two league titles in the East African country.
While continuing to play football, Song has also developed significant business interests. He has founded a property company in Cameroon and built an apartment block in Douala. Song also launched Canadian International School and College in Douala in October 2020.
Still going strong after two league titles in Djibouti, Song recently shared his pride at training alongside his 18-year-old son Kaylian. After previously describing Kaylian as the “most talented in the family,” Song wrote on Instagram: “I realized one of my dreams training with my youngest son @kayliansong 14 years later than joy thank you Lord for making me live this training on the same ground with my son I had already thanked the sky for having me allowed to do it with @17nolan today. I am a happy dad thank you for all the love you are a man @kayliansong.”
Song has set up a construction firm and is beginning to build for his retirement. He shared artists’ impressions of the flats on Instagram. Despite his early financial struggles, Song has managed to turn his life around and is now focused on building a successful career both on and off the pitch.