Swansea ballboy kicked by Eden Hazard now set to pocket £500m in jaw-dropping deal

Swansea’s former ballboy Charlie Morgan, who became a global figure after being kicked by Eden Hazard in a 2013 League Cup clash, is set to reap a staggering £500 million from the impending sale of his vodka brand, Au Vodka. The deal, which could be finalized soon, would mark a dramatic turnaround for Morgan, who once found himself at the center of a heated moment on the pitch. The incident occurred during a League Cup semi-final between Swansea City and Chelsea in January 2013. At just 17 years old, Morgan refused to return the ball to Hazard after it went out of bounds, instead lying on it with his stomach. Hazard attempted to move the ball free, and the situation escalated when it appeared he made contact with Morgan. Referee Chris Foy issued a red card to Hazard, sending him off. Though the match ended in a 0-0 draw, Swansea advanced to the final due to an earlier 2-0 victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The episode thrust Morgan into the spotlight, earning him widespread attention and a sudden rise in social media fame. Morgan, whose father Martin is a director at Swansea City, leveraged this newfound visibility to build a career outside of football. In 2015, he co-founded Au Vodka with friend Jackson Quinn. The brand quickly gained traction, supported by strategic marketing and high-profile endorsements. Over the past decade, Au Vodka has grown significantly, with the company previously valued at around £150 million. Morgan and Quinn, both now aged 30, were reportedly each worth £75 million in 2026, according to the Drinks Industry Rich List. Negotiations for the sale of Au Vodka to American beverage giant Sazerac Company have been underway for several months. If completed, the transaction would see Morgan and Quinn receive payouts exceeding £100 million. While the exact terms remain undisclosed, industry insiders suggest the deal is nearing finalization. It is unclear whether Morgan and Quinn will retain ownership roles within the new parent company, although they are expected to benefit substantially from the sale. Au Vodka’s success has been fueled by a combination of social media campaigns and partnerships with influential figures. High-profile endorsements include appearances from boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, football star Ronaldinho, and rapper Fredo. In 2017, Radio 1 DJ Charlie Sloth acquired a 20 percent stake in the company, further boosting its profile through his connections in music and entertainment. The brand continued to expand its reach, with notable moments such as YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul tattooing an image of the Au Vodka bottle onto his body in exchange for $250,000 ahead of his fight with Tommy Fury in 2023. As the potential sale nears completion, Morgan’s journey from a young football fan to a multimillionaire entrepreneur continues to captivate public interest. His story underscores the unexpected opportunities that can arise from seemingly minor incidents, highlighting the power of perseverance and adaptability in building a successful enterprise. With the deal potentially closing soon, Morgan and Quinn are poised to solidify their place among the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs.