Former Liverpool F.C. Winger Ryan Babel is building a new career in the music and fashion industries after retiring from football. The 37-year-old discussed his post-playing ventures this week, outlining a path far from the touchline.
Babel, who signed for the Reds from Ajax for £11.5 million in 2007, made 146 appearances for the club. He was part of the squad that finished as Premier League runners-up in 2009 before leaving for Hoffenheim in 2011. His career later took him across Europe and to the UAE before he formally retired last year.
Ryan Babel is now running a music business and a fashion agency. He said that he has artists based in Los Angeles and Amsterdam, plus a producer in the UK. "Music has always been a part of me," Babel said. "It started as a hobby and grew into a business that I loved managing during my spare time."
His other major project is an agency in Paris focused on the fashion industry. The operation helps athletes connect with brands, manage social media strategies, and participate in events like fashion weeks. This shift represents a significant change from his days on the pitch, where he was known for his pace and direct wing play.
Babel's move to Anfield as a 20-year-old was a major step in his development. The substantial fee reflected his high potential after coming through Ajax's famed academy. During his three-and-a-half years on Merseyside, he scored 22 goals. His departure coincided with a dramatic January 2011 transfer window for Liverpool, which saw Fernando Torres sold and both Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez arrive.
While he didn't win trophies with Liverpool, the experience at a top club provided a platform for the rest of his playing journey. He later returned to the Premier League briefly with Fulham in 2019.
The Dutch international has not ruled out a return to the sport in a coaching capacity, but says he is not mentally ready yet. "Maybe in the future, but mentally I'm not there yet," Babel explained. He has occasionally led training sessions for youth players, which he finds rewarding.
For now, his focus remains on his business interests and exploring passions he couldn't pursue during his playing days. His story is one of several high-profile transitions from football, with other former professionals also moving into media, business, or coaching roles.
Babel's move into entertainment and branding is less common than a direct switch to coaching or punditry. His diverse career, which included spells in six different countries, perhaps gave him a broader perspective on life after football.
The winger also represented the Netherlands, reaching the 2010 World Cup final. He ended his playing days in the Turkish second division with Eyupspor.
