The name Björn Borg remains etched in golden letters in the history of tennis. The Swedish superstar, who took the sports world by storm with his unprecedented success at a remarkably young age, later shocked everyone by walking away at his peak. Decades after his retirement, he has built a stable and prosperous life with his wife, Patricia Östfeldt. Their combined wealth, stemming from a legendary tennis career, savvy business moves, and smart investments, is estimated by the Björn Borg Group to be in the range of $100 million to $120 million.
Ice Borg's Unmatched Dominance On The Court
Björn Borg didn't just play tennis; he redefined it during the 1970s. Achieving the world number one ranking, he amassed 11 Grand Slam singles titles before even turning 26 years old—a record that speaks volumes about his dominance. His incredible legacy includes a staggering six French Open championships from 1974 to 1981 and an iconic five consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1976 to 1980.
Famous for his icy composure under immense pressure, Borg earned the nickname "Ice Borg" from fans and media alike. He rarely showed emotion, making him a formidable opponent in the biggest moments. During his active years, his prize money earnings totalled approximately $3.6 million, a colossal sum for that era. His consistent appearances in finals, as recorded by the ATP Tour and Wimbledon, played a pivotal role in catapulting tennis into a globally celebrated sport.
Building A Brand Empire After Tennis
Borg's transition from sports icon to business mogul has been a masterclass in brand building. He launched the Björn Borg fashion brand in the late 1980s, which grew into a hugely popular label across Europe. Specialising in apparel and underwear, the company, Björn Borg AB, is publicly listed in Sweden. Its annual reports consistently highlight robust sales, providing a steady stream of income that is intrinsically linked to his legendary name.
Beyond the fashion line, Borg has generated significant revenue through licensing deals for his name and image. He has also made astute long-term investments, particularly in the real estate markets of Sweden and Monaco. These property holdings have substantially appreciated over time, forming a solid foundation for his impressive net worth.
A Life Of Balance With Patricia Östfeldt
The journey after his abrupt retirement was not smooth. Borg faced well-documented battles with substance abuse and mental health challenges in the 1980s. In candid interviews with publications like The Guardian, he later revealed the profound difficulty of leaving the sport he dominated at such a young age.
His life took a positive turn when he met Patricia Östfeldt in the late 1990s. This partnership marked a new beginning. Borg found stability, focusing on family and moving away from his past struggles. Today, he is a vocal advocate for balance and mental well-being in athletics.
Björn Borg and Patricia Östfeldt now enjoy a life that is deliberately quieter than his high-octane playing days. Borg makes occasional appearances at tennis events, charity matches, and major tournaments like the Laver Cup, where he has held leadership roles. Patricia, with her professional background in media and real estate, has been a key partner. Together, their dual sources of income allow them to focus on family, manage their business interests, and stay connected to the world of tennis—all without the intense pressure of competition.