Former ballboy turned vodka entrepreneur nears deal worth £500 million
The former Swansea City ballboy famously kicked by Eden Hazard is reportedly closing in on an extraordinary payday after building a vodka empire worth hundreds of millions of pounds, reports BritPanorama.
Charlie Morgan, now 30, and his business partner Jackson Quinn are in advanced talks to sell their premium drinks company Au Vodka to the American alcohol giant Sazerac Company in a deal anticipated to reach around £500 million.
Each partner could potentially pocket approximately £100 million if the sale is finalized, according to reports. Morgan’s journey is a remarkable transformation from his notorious encounter with Hazard during the 2013 League Cup semi-final, where a frustrated Hazard kicked Morgan in an attempt to dislodge the ball, leading to the player’s dismissal.
However, 13 years later, Morgan is making headlines for very different reasons. The company, launched in 2015, has seen rapid growth, reportedly selling over 35,000 bottles daily and attracting endorsements from prominent figures in sports, including Ronaldinho and Floyd Mayweather.
Au Vodka’s success has led to an extravagant new headquarters in Swansea, showcasing a gold exterior that reflects its brand identity. Morgan shared that the company transitioned from a small 250 sq ft office to a new gold HQ, a testament to their exponential growth over recent years.
Negotiations with Sazerac have reportedly been ongoing for several months, as the American company seeks to strengthen its presence in the British market. In a curious turn of events, Morgan and Hazard reunited in a promotional campaign for Au Vodka in 2024, more than a decade after their infamous confrontation, with Hazard joking about their shared history on social media.
This story marks not only a significant financial milestone for Morgan but also illustrates how narratives in football can evolve, sometimes leading to unexpected partnerships.
