What is Lee Sharpe's net worth?
Lee Sharpe is an English football (soccer) player who has a net worth of $8 million.
Lee Sharpe, born in 1971 in Halesowen, England, emerged as one of Manchester United's most exciting wingers during the 1990s, though his promising career was significantly impacted by injuries. His natural talent and flair on the pitch made him one of English football's most captivating prospects during his early years.
Sharpe began his professional career at Torquay United, making his debut at just 16 years old. His precocious talent quickly caught the attention of bigger clubs, and in 1988, Alex Ferguson signed him for Manchester United for £200,000 – a record fee for a YTS (Youth Training Scheme) player at the time. This early move marked him as one of English football's brightest young talents.
At Manchester United, Sharpe's development was remarkable. He became the youngest player to appear in all top-flight matches in a season when he was just 19, showcasing his durability and talent. His ability to play on either wing, combined with his pace, skill, and crossing ability, made him a valuable asset to Ferguson's emerging United team.
The early 1990s saw Sharpe reach his peak. He played a crucial role in United's 1991 European Cup Winners' Cup victory and was instrumental in helping the club win their first league title in 26 years during the 1992-93 season. His memorable hat-trick against Arsenal in the League Cup in 1990 and his famous "corner flag celebration" became part of United folklore.
However, Sharpe's career at United was marked by both triumph and frustration. The emergence of Ryan Giggs provided fierce competition for the left-wing position, while injuries repeatedly interrupted his progress. Despite these challenges, he contributed to three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a League Cup during his time at Old Trafford.
In 1996, Sharpe moved to Leeds United for £4.5 million, but injuries continued to plague his career. Subsequent moves to Sampdoria, Bradford City, and Portsmouth followed, though he struggled to recapture his early United form. His professional career effectively ended in 2003 after brief spells at Exeter City and Grindavík in Iceland.
Off the field, Sharpe was known for his outgoing personality and enjoyed a high profile in the media. His good looks and charismatic nature made him popular with fans and media alike. After retiring, he successfully transitioned into television work, appearing in several reality shows including "Celebrity Love Island" and "Dancing on Ice," and became a regular football pundit.
Looking back at his career, Sharpe's story is often viewed as one of "what might have been." At his peak, he possessed all the attributes of a top-class winger – pace, skill, crossing ability, and an eye for goal. His eight England caps between 1991 and 1993 hinted at the international career that might have developed had injuries not intervened.
Today, Sharpe remains a popular figure in football circles, particularly among Manchester United fans who remember his flair and memorable moments during the club's resurgence under Ferguson. His career, while perhaps not reaching the heights his early promise suggested, nevertheless featured significant achievements at the highest level of English football.
His legacy is that of a talented player who lit up English football in the early 1990s, contributing to Manchester United's return to dominance while entertaining fans with his skill and memorable goal celebrations. Though injuries may have curtailed his impact, Sharpe's place in Premier League history, particularly during its formative years, remains secure.