01.10.2025 09:54
John Barnes, one of the legendary players of the England national team, has gone bankrupt due to the substantial debts of his company. The bankruptcy decision regarding the 61-year-old former star was made by the High Court on September 23 and was announced in the London Gazette. Barnes stated, "It hasn't had a significant impact on my life, apart from a few sleepless nights."
The unforgettable name of the England National Team, John Barnes, has officially declared bankruptcy for his company, John Barnes Media Limited. The largest creditor of the company, which has entered the liquidation process, is the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). According to the latest report, there is a debt of £776,878 owed to HMRC solely for taxes, insurance, and salary deductions.
In addition, unsecured debts amount to £461,849, the loan from the manager to Barnes is £226,000, and liquidation costs have been recorded as £56,535. It has been reported that the total debt exceeds £1.5 million. Barnes stated that he has been making regular payments to HMRC for eight years and continues to pay £10,000 per month.
"IT DIDN'T HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON MY LIFE"
Barnes said of his financial troubles, "It hasn't had a significant impact on my life apart from a few sleepless nights. Considering what other people in the world are going through, I feel luckier." The former star admitted that despite earning significant amounts during his playing career, he lost between £1 million and £1.5 million by trusting the wrong people.
IT CAME TO THE AGENDA WITH THE BANKRUPTCY APPLICATION
In fact, Barnes's financial problems are not new. The football figure has faced bankruptcy threats multiple times since 2010 and made headlines in 2023 due to a personal tax debt of £238,000, managing to halt the process by paying off the debt at the last moment.
HE RETIRED FROM ACTIVE FOOTBALL IN 1999
During his career, Barnes played for Watford, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Charlton, appearing 79 times for the England National Team. The legend, who retired from active football in 1999, has managed Tranmere, Celtic, and the Jamaica National Team. After football, Barnes worked as a commentator and published a book in 2021.