LONDON — Former French tennis star Henri Leconte, a Grand Slam champion and fan favorite in the 1980s and 1990s, has revealed he was left penniless after falling victim to a sophisticated financial scam that cost him his life savings—£12 million ($15.2 million). Leconte, now 60, is among several high-profile athletes and celebrities targeted by fraudsters in recent years.
The Frenchman, best known for his flamboyant playing style and 1988 French Open doubles title, disclosed the devastating loss in an interview with L'Équipe. He described how a trusted financial advisor—whom he had known for decades—systematically drained his accounts over several years, leaving him with nothing. "I trusted this person completely. They knew everything about my finances, my family, even my fears. And they took advantage of it all," Leconte said.
How the Scam Unfolded
Leconte explained that the fraud began subtly, with small withdrawals and questionable investments masked as "high-return opportunities." Over time, the advisor gained control of his assets, forging signatures and manipulating documents to authorize larger transactions. By the time Leconte realized something was wrong, his accounts were empty. "I felt like a fool. How could I not see it? But these people are experts at deception," he admitted.
The scammer, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed due to an ongoing investigation, allegedly used similar tactics against other wealthy clients, including:
- A retired footballer who lost €8 million
- A television personality defrauded of £3 million
- Several business executives targeted for "fake investment schemes"
A Wider Celebrity Scam Epidemic
Leconte’s case is far from isolated. In recent years, multiple athletes and entertainers have been swindled by unscrupulous advisors. Tennis legend Boris Becker, who served prison time for hiding assets during bankruptcy proceedings, has spoken openly about financial mismanagement in sports. "Many players don’t understand money. They trust the wrong people, and it ruins them," Becker warned in a 2023 interview.
Other High-Profile Victims
- Diego Maradona: The late football icon lost millions to a former manager who siphoned funds through shell companies.
- Nicolas Cage: The actor was defrauded of $20 million by a business manager who falsified tax documents.
- Judy Garland: Decades after her death, it was revealed that her estate had been looted by advisors.
The Psychological Toll
Leconte described the aftermath as "worse than any injury" he endured during his career. "I couldn’t sleep. I felt ashamed. Tennis gave me everything, and in a few years, it was all gone because of one person’s greed," he said. Psychologists note that financial fraud victims often suffer long-term trauma, including anxiety, depression, and a loss of trust in others.
Legal Action and Recovery
French authorities have launched a criminal investigation, but recovering the stolen funds may take years—if it happens at all. Leconte has since partnered with a financial watchdog group to raise awareness. "I don’t want others to go through this. Athletes need to be educated, and these criminals need to be stopped," he said.
Experts recommend that high-earning athletes take proactive steps to protect their wealth, including:
- Hiring independent auditors to review finances annually
- Avoiding giving a single person full control over assets
- Using escrow accounts for large transactions
A Cautionary Tale
Leconte’s story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by athletes post-retirement. Despite earning millions during his career, he now relies on exhibition matches and commentary work to rebuild his life. "Money comes and goes, but dignity is forever. I’ll keep fighting—on and off the court," he vowed.
As scams targeting celebrities grow more sophisticated, advocacy groups are pushing for stricter regulations on financial advisors. For now, Leconte’s message is clear: "Trust, but verify. And never stop asking questions."