Investment strategies for athletes, considering the specifics of their career path and income instability

The purpose of this study was to analyse approaches to the development of effective investment strategies for professional athletes. The research methodology included an analysis of the international experience of financial education of athletes, and modelling investment strategies on the example of a hypothetical career of a Ukrainian football player. The importance of financial planning for athletes, which goes beyond just managing income and expenses, was considered. It was determined that sports required athletes not only to maintain a high standard of living during their careers, but also to develop an investment strategy to ensure stability after completion. Since the athlete’s career lasts only a limited period of time, and income reaches a peak between the ages of 18 and 35, an important component was proper financial management, which will ensure the athlete not only financial stability during the period of active activity, but also in the post-career time. The paper described the adaptation of the classical income life cycle hypothesis to the conditions of a sports career, which required a more aggressive savings and investment strategy. Financial literacy was also considered a necessary tool for achieving long-term stability and fraud protection. International financial education programmes for athletes, in particular, in the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and Canada, were analysed, and their effectiveness was compared. Special attention was paid to the situation in Ukraine, where the financial education of athletes was not yet systematic. Modelling of investment strategies for the conditions of Ukraine showed the difference between a basic and more structured approach to financing athletes, which included active investment and postcareer planning. The results of the study showed that basic financial literacy significantly reduced the likelihood of financial difficulties after the end of a career and provided greater economic stability for athletes. The findings can be used by sports federations, educational institutions, and government agencies to develop financial literacy programmes tailored to the needs of athletes at different stages of their careers