From supercars to sensible Mercs, what Britain’s footballers really drive

Flashy supercars may dominate social media, but new research suggests Britain’s professional footballers are far more conservative when it comes to their everyday car choices.

An analysis of more than 350,000 car finance enquiries examined by CarMoney reveals that more than a third of finance enquiries from professional and semi-professional footballers in 2025 were for Mercedes models. The brand is the most popular choice among players, underscoring its status as the default car for footballers, offering a balance of prestige, comfort and discretion.

These findings contrast with the common online image of players with hypercars. While such cars exist, the data shows they are exceptions, not the norm.

Across the wider dataset, the most expensive vehicles enquired about included a Ferrari SF90 Spider Assetto Fiorano and a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge, both priced just under £500,000, as well as a £325,000 Lamborghini Aventador. However, these enquiries were rare and did not reflect typical buying behaviour among footballers.

When focusing on players, the highest-value cars selected were more restrained. An Audi RSQ8, priced at £87,000, and a Range Rover Sport SVR, priced at £85,000, topped the list, highlighting the continued appeal of high-performance SUVs that deliver speed and status without the impracticalities of exotic supercars.

YouTube analysis of Premier League training grounds supports this view. Footage regularly shows players arriving in Mercedes G-Wagons, V-Classes and Audi RS models, with premium SUVs emerging as a common choice. Even among top earners, everyday usability appears to trump outright extravagance.

Footballers haven’t abandoned luxury altogether. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has assembled one of the most valuable car collections in the league, headlined by a Bugatti Tourbillon, one of only 250 set to be produced worldwide, with a reported top speed of 277mph. His collection also includes a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Ferrari Monza SP2 and the £2.7 million Mercedes-AMG One.

Lamborghini Urus SUVs are now common in Premier League car parks. Arsenal’s Saka, Magalhães, and Raya are linked to the £190,000 model; Everton’s Jordan Pickford is also a fan. Mo Salah, though he owns a McLaren 765LT and Lamborghini Aventador, is often seen in a Bentley Continental GT or Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Alastair Grier, CEO of CarMoney, said: “The findings highlight a clear divide between perception and reality. The cars that attract attention online are not the ones most players are actually choosing day to day, and our data shows that around a third of footballers applying for finance still opt for Mercedes. It’s a practical choice that fits their lifestyle without drawing unnecessary attention.”

The research also uncovered several unexpected trends. Four enquiries were recorded for 1990s Reliant Robin and Rialto three-wheelers, while more than 60 enquiries were made for pre-2000 fast Ford models, including Sierra RS Cosworths, Capris and Fiesta XR2s, reflecting a continued appetite for nostalgia and classic performance.

Taken together, the data suggest that while Britain’s footballers may have the means to buy almost any car on the market, many continue to favour familiar, premium brands that balance image with everyday usability. The supercars may dominate headlines, but in the training ground car park, sensible luxury still rules.