Former German star Podolski makes fortune out of kebab

In 2017, two years after leaving Premier League club Arsenal, he launched dessert brand Ice Cream United in Cologne, the home of his first professional club FC Koln.

A year later he launched kebab chain Mangal Doner and opened the first shop in Cologne.

Now there are around 30 Mangal Doner stores across Germany.

The idea to start a kebab chain was inspired by his time playing for Galatasaray in Turkey.

The Sun reported his net worth to be around $225 million including his career earnings as a footballer. Podolski had been one of Arsenal’s highest-paid players during his stint there.

He recently went on a rant against a famous fast food chain in the U.S.

Speaking on a podcast with YouTuber Sascha Hellinger, he said: "If you order there, you pay as much as at my stores. Or even more. However, the food will be rubbish, it lacks quality."

Podolski is remembered for his powerful strikes and explosive finishes with his left foot.

A prolific striker, he scored 271 goals in his career, including 49 for Germany, the third highest for the country after only Miroslav Klose (71 goals) and Gerd Muller (68).

In 2014 he won the World Cup with Germany.

At 38, Podolski is playing for Gormik Zabrze in Poland, where he was born before relocating to Germany.

He has also launched a music festival, sports center and a football tournament featuring former players, influencers and fans.