South Florida’s luxury real estate market is attracting some of soccer’s biggest names, as players and retired stars purchase waterfront estates and high-end condos in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
The trend has gained momentum before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with athletes investing in properties that provide privacy, security, and access to training facilities year-round. Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Paul Pogba, David Beckham, and Brazilian legend Ronaldo are among those who have bought homes in the area.
Brokers highlight the region’s appeal for elite athletes. Mick Duchon of Corcoran in Miami said the area offers a desirable mix of scenery, lifestyle, exclusivity, and service.
Michael Martinez, a broker with One Sotheby’s International Realty, pointed to the region’s global connectivity as a key advantage. Many players come from Latin America, making it easy for them to travel home. Nonstop flights from Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport simplify their schedules.
The climate also plays a role. Martinez noted that active players can train outdoors throughout the year, unlike in colder regions where winter conditions limit practice. Families benefit from top-rated schools and parks, making the area an ideal place to settle.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, teammates at Inter Miami, both own waterfront estates in Fort Lauderdale’s Bay Colony, a gated community near the team’s training facility. Messi’s 10,500-square-foot home, purchased in September 2023 for $10.75 million, includes 170 feet of water frontage, two private docks, and a swimming pool. Suárez’s nearby property, bought in early 2024 for $11.5 million, spans 7,100 square feet with eight bedrooms and 425 feet of water frontage.
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Chad Carroll, a Compass broker, described Bay Colony as a secure and well-regarded neighborhood. It sits close to Pine Crest, a prestigious private school. Messi has also invested in four units at Cipriani Residences Miami, a luxury tower in Brickell expected to open in summer 2027. One of the units, a 3,500-square-foot four-bedroom, cost $7.5 million. Carroll suggested Messi may see these properties as investments rather than primary homes, given Brickell’s walkability and growing demand for rentals.
Most players favor luxury condominiums over single-family homes. Martinez explained that many athletes don’t live in Miami full-time, so they prefer units they can secure and leave when traveling. High-end gyms and spas are particularly appealing to them.
Duchon noted that buildings like those in the area stand out for their service and security.
The arrival of soccer stars has reinforced South Florida’s reputation as a destination for international talent.
The trend is unlikely to slow, especially as the World Cup nears and more players seek a U.S. base.
Martinez summed it up: “They want a place that feels like home, with the amenities of a luxury resort.”
