This Ex-Premier League Player Just Made £15M From... Turmeric Shots?

By Lewis Barnett 31 July, 2025 5 mins read 125 Views

Honestly, when I first heard this story, I had to read it twice.

Hal Robson-Kanu – you know, the guy who scored that brilliant goal against Belgium in Euro 2016 – just pocketed £15 million. Not from football. Not from punditry or coaching. From selling turmeric drinks. I'm not even joking.

The 36-year-old former Wales striker built The Turmeric Co. from basically nothing, and now AG Barr (the people behind Irn-Bru) have bought a majority stake for serious money. My mate Dave texted me about this yesterday with just: "Wrong career choice mate."

Hear the Summary

When Your Knee Injury Becomes Your Fortune

Here's where it gets interesting. Back when Robson-Kanu was 15 and trying to make it at Reading's academy, he basically destroyed his knee. Twice. The club doctors told him he'd never play pain-free again. Can you imagine being told that as a teenager?

Instead of accepting it, he and his dad went full detective mode. Libraries, internet deep-dives, ancient Asian remedies – the works. They discovered this "golden blend" of raw turmeric, ginger, watermelon, and other natural ingredients that actually worked.

The taste was apparently horrific at first. But it worked.

His knee pain disappeared. Full flexibility returned. And somewhere in that process, a business idea was born that would eventually make him richer than most of his former teammates.

From Sainsbury's Shelves to £15M Payday

Fast forward to 2025, and The Turmeric Co. products are everywhere. Sainsbury's, Ocado, David Lloyd gyms. Even Premier League clubs like Everton and Brentford stock them (which must feel pretty good for a retired player).

The company also has partnerships with Sale Sharks, Leicester Tigers, and British Gymnastics. Not bad for something that started as a desperate attempt to fix a busted knee.

AG Barr clearly saw the potential. Their investment is part of a strategy focusing on "high-growth, health-focused, functional beverage categories" – corporate speak for "people will pay good money for drinks that make them feel better."

The Dad-and-Son Research Mission That Changed Everything

What I love about this story is how it started. Robson-Kanu told The Reading Chronicle about those early days: "It was at that point where me adn my dad basically went on a research binge."

They weren't looking to build a business empire. They were just trying to solve a problem. Ancient Asian practices, natural remedies, raw ingredients – stuff that probably seemed pretty alternative back then.

"What we began to find was these natural ingredients which kept recurring, like watermelon, pomegranate, pineapple, ginger and turmeric in the raw format."

The breakthrough came when they realized it had to be raw ingredients. Not processed, not refined – raw. That's when their "golden elixir" actually started working.

Better Than Most Transfer Fees

Robson-Kanu made 94 Premier League appearances across his career with Reading and West Brom. Decent numbers, but nothing spectacular. His biggest moment was probably that Belgium goal – a piece of skill that helped Wales reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals.

But this turmeric deal? This dwarfs anything he ever earned as a player.

"I created the brand as a convenient and great-tasting way to support wellness-conscious individuals and sportspeople like me," he said. "We've had a remarkable few years but with this latest milestone and such heavyweight backing, it feels like our journey is just beginning."

Fair play to him. He spotted a gap in the market, built something from personal experience, and now he's laughing all the way to teh bank.

Makes you wonder what other retired footballers are sitting on million-pound business ideas without even knowing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to wear specific football clothing, or is it okay to wear other athletic gear?

Football-specific clothing can be worn, but it's recommended. It is made to increase performance and comfort. Jerseys and pants are typically made with lightweight, breathable material that allows for maximum airflow. This helps to reduce sweating and overheating. The fit also allows for a wide range of motion which can enhance your agility during play.

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Goalkeeper gloves featuring a palm made of latex offer the best performance under different conditions. The density and thickness of the latex can be changed to balance grip and durability. Gloves with finger protection systems, such as spines or stiffening material, can also prevent hyperextension injuries. A good pair of gloves should also be comfortable and fit well to enable the goalkeeper to perform at their best.

Why is it that shinguards are mandatory for all football players?

Shin guards are a mandatory piece of equipment for footballers as they provide vital protection to the lower legs, which are vulnerable to injury during tackles and collisions. They protect the shins by preventing severe injuries like fractures and severe bruising. To promote safety, the governing body of football requires players to wear shin guards.

What are some of the essential items needed to play football?

The basic equipment required for playing football includes a jersey or shirt, shorts, stockings, shin guards, and cleats or football boots. Goalkeepers usually require additional equipment such as specialized glove and sometimes padded clothes to protect them when diving and jumping. In order to be safe and adhere to the rules of the game, players must wear the appropriate clothing.

Can the socks a footballer wear affect their performance?

Absolutely. Football socks protect and support the player's foot during intense play. They provide cushioning, help keep shin guards secure, reduce friction and prevent blisters. The comfort of the player can be improved by a good pair. This can have an indirect impact on their performance.

Statistics

Over 90% of professional football players wear boots with synthetic uppers for better performance and durability.
Goalkeeper gloves with advanced grip technology have been adopted by 85% of professional goalkeepers in top leagues around the world.
Studies show that the proper use of shin guards can reduce the risk of injuries in football players by up to 70%.
Research has indicated that around 60% of football-related ankle injuries could be mitigated with the correct choice of footwear.
Approximately 40% of amateur football players wear boots that are not properly fitted, increasing the risk of foot injuries.

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How To

How to determine the right size and fit for your football Cleats

Finding football cleats that fit well is essential for ensuring comfort and maximizing performance. If you are wearing the correct size cleat, there should be about a finger's width between your longest toes and the cleat. The cleats should be snug around the midfoot, with minimal movement at the heel. The cleat's upper portion should be snug enough to make you feel secure but flexible enough for your foot to move naturally. For a perfect fit, try on cleats and socks that will be worn in matches.