Divock Origi swaps football boots for Harvard Business School as former Liverpool hero plots fashion and business career

Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi has taken his first major step towards life beyond professional football after enrolling at Harvard Business School, as he looks to build a career in fashion, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

The 31-year-old Belgian international is turning his attention to the business world after bringing his playing career to an end, with his latest move reflecting ambitions that extend well beyond the football pitch.

Origi, who was born in Ostend, Belgium, to Kenyan parents, has developed a growing passion for fashion and is seeking to acquire the knowledge and expertise required to establish himself in the industry.

His decision to enrol at one of the world’s most prestigious business institutions forms part of a broader plan to explore opportunities in different sectors while using his experience and connections in football to create opportunities for the next generation.

The former forward has expressed a particular desire to understand the fashion industry at a deeper level, including its history, creative processes and commercial structures.

“I am really dedicated to pursuing fashion as a craft. I am already immersing myself in gaining more knowledge about its history and the industry. I aspire to study it at the highest level and hopefully have the opportunity to learn from some of the best designers in the world,” he said.

Origi eyes business opportunities beyond football

Beyond his interest in fashion, the former Liverpool attacker is also working to establish himself as an entrepreneur through DLF, a football agency he is developing alongside business partner and co-owner Marvin Willem Ofori.

The venture is expected to provide another avenue for Origi to remain connected to the sport while exploring opportunities to contribute to the development of emerging football talents.

Having experienced professional football at the highest level, the Belgian believes his knowledge of the game and understanding of the challenges players face can help him create opportunities for the next generation.

He also wants his work to extend into philanthropy, with an ambition to become a bridge between young footballers and opportunities that can shape their careers and lives beyond the pitch.

“I am also going to continue expanding on the entrepreneurial side through DLF, a football agency I am developing with my partner and co-owner Marvin Willem Ofori.

“Ultimately, I am looking for opportunities to become a bridge for the next generation of footballers, whether through my work in football, philanthropy or simply by contributing as an individual,” he added.

Liverpool hero leaves behind a trophy-laden career

Origi enjoyed a memorable spell at Liverpool, where he became a cult figure despite frequently operating as a supporting option under former manager Jurgen Klopp.

The Belgian joined the Merseyside club from French side Lille in 2014 but remained with the Ligue 1 outfit on loan for the remainder of that season before making his Liverpool debut in 2015.

Although he was rarely guaranteed a starting position, his knack for producing decisive moments in important matches made him a fan favourite at Anfield.

His most memorable contributions came during Liverpool’s remarkable 2018/19 UEFA Champions League campaign.

Origi scored twice in the famous 4-0 semi-final comeback against Barcelona at Anfield, helping Liverpool overturn a three-goal first-leg deficit to reach the final.

He then scored the second goal in their 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid, securing the club’s sixth Champions League title.

His contributions extended beyond European football, as he also celebrated Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup triumphs during his time at Anfield.

The forward was also part of the Liverpool teams that won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, completing an impressive collection of honours.

Difficult final years after Liverpool departure

Origi left Liverpool in 2022 after eight years at the club to join Italian giants AC Milan on a free transfer.

However, his move to Serie A failed to produce the desired results, with the striker managing only two goals in 36 appearances during his time with the Rossoneri.

He subsequently returned to English football for the 2023/24 season, joining Nottingham Forest on loan in search of regular playing opportunities.

His spell at the City Ground offered little revival, and he returned to Milan afterwards without making another first-team appearance.

At international level, Origi earned 32 caps for Belgium, scoring three goals.

He first attracted widespread attention during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where his late winner against Russia secured Belgium’s qualification for the knockout stages.

Now, with his playing days behind him, the former Liverpool forward is embarking on a different challenge, hoping to translate his football experience into success in business, fashion and philanthropy.