Star play deserves star insurance
As the top clubs across the globe continue to do battle at the FIFA Club World Cup in America this month, all eyes are on the performances of some of its biggest players. Not surprisingly, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are already demonstrating their star quality with some magic moments on the pitch in the group stages. But in between the moments of joy and elation – that makes the live experience so special for spectators – we know it’s not always such an uplifting experience for the managers on the side; anxiously sitting in the wings, holding their breath and praying for the match to pass without an injury.
Star performers aside, any footballer dreads hearing that popping sound, mid-tackle, that indicates the ACL has been torn; one of the most common injuries, it can set a player’s career back between 6 to 12 months.
It’s widely known, the career of a footballer can be just as colourful off the pitch, as some of these more peculiar accidents reveal – in 2002, Spanish goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares missed the World Cup when he severed a tendon in his foot after dropping a bottle of aftershave in his bathroom, while Michael Stensgaard’s career at Liverpool was ended after dislocating his shoulder setting up an ironing board.
Regardless of the incident, football injuries have a direct impact on the team and how the game unfolds – many a side has flagged without its key striker or goalie to save the day. More visible perhaps, is an injury’s impact on the player’s career, which can have a detrimental, sometimes irrevocable, effect on their livelihood. This is where we step in to help.
Supporting athletes through their entire career
We can find cover to support an athlete’s income if they’re permanently unable to play due to injury. For example, if a footballer signs a three-year contract, with bonuses and sponsorship considered, and then suffers a serious injury, we’ll find the support that can step in to help should those earnings be lost.
This type of cover is particularly vital for athletes at both the start and end of their careers. Young players may land huge contracts early but can be dropped after a major injury before establishing themselves. Older players, who might be seen as nearing the end of their careers, may not get another contract, so injury at that stage can be particularly tough, financially.
The insurance gives peace of mind that when something goes wrong on the pitch, their income is protected. It’s a safety net that allows them to keep earning even if their playing career ends prematurely.
LMP Group’s benefit policies are built around an agreed upon value, typically matching the full value of an athlete’s contract. If a career-ending injury occurs and the athlete can no longer perform, we’ll make sure the income the player relies on still arrives.
Flexible, evolving cover
Our cover isn’t fixed and we’ll always adjust it in line with our clients’ needs. If an athlete lands additional sponsorship deals we can add the income to the policy, adjusting the premium accordingly. This means all income streams are protected, not just salary.
We’re trusted by athletes, and the people who look after them, because we recognise it’s their hard work, dedication and willingness to put themselves on the line that are so central to the thrills they give us as spectators.
That’s why we’re always here for them, no matter how they do in the league.