He was dubbed the "next Giggs", failed to deliver as expected, and now runs a lucrative watch business

Ramon Calliste's story is one of unfulfilled potential on the pitch, but extraordinary success off it. Once touted as the "new Ryan Giggs" of Wales, Calliste's football career was cut short by injury. However, his entrepreneurial spirit and savvy business acumen have seen him build a multi-million pound watch empire.

A Promising Start

At the turn of the millennium, Ramon Calliste was a name on everyone's lips in Welsh football. The talented youngster, who represented Wales at youth level, was seen as a future star. His performances in the youth ranks at Manchester United, where he won the FA Youth Cup in 2003, even drew comparisons with the legendary Ryan Giggs.

Calliste trained with the first team at Manchester United, alongside stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Gerard Piqué, and Paul Scholes. "We didn't always train with the first team, but sometimes we had five-a-side games. I was aiming to train with them permanently, and it was amazing when I got the chance. I trained with Rooney and Ronaldo, which was a big deal," Calliste recalled in an interview with The Sun.

He also shared the field with another rising star, Gareth Bale, during a Wales U21 training session. "I remember seeing Gareth Bale when we had a Wales U21 training session at Wrexham. I didn't really know who he was at the time, but I knew he was at Southampton. But after training we were taking shots at goal and I could see him practising free-kicks. From that moment you could see he was a special player. It was great to play alongside him and other great players in the world."

A Career Cut Short

Unfortunately, Calliste's promising career was derailed by a serious ankle injury in 2006. A dislocated ankle, broken bone, and ligament damage meant he never fully recovered, and after brief spells with lower-league clubs, he was forced to retire from professional football.

"If I'd had the injury at Man United and Liverpool, it might have been okay. But because I received the treatment at Scunthorpe, I don't think I received the proper medical attention," Calliste reflected.

The young star who had impressed so many coaches saw his career fizzle out before it had even begun. But Calliste was not one to give up on his dreams.

From Football to Fortune

"When I realised that football wasn't going to give me the life I wanted, it was about preparing something else and moving quickly," Calliste explained.

Leveraging the contacts he had made in the football world, Calliste ventured into the luxury watch business. "I started getting involved in watches through the contacts I had in football. Once I saw that it could become a viable business, I created Global Watches in 2013 and it has become a really strong company that is now turning over millions."

Global Watches, which sells high-end timepieces, now generates annual revenue exceeding $5 million. "The idea is to keep growing and hopefully sell the company in five or ten years, just like Watchfinder recently did."

"When it comes to high-value products, there are a lot of regulations to consider. We do everything by the book here and it's very important to be clear about what you're doing. I was fortunate that it was very lucrative from the beginning. Some watches we sell can cost upwards of £250,000 (over $410,000)."

His football background helped him secure his initial transactions and understand the tastes of potential clients. "I dealt with footballers at first, selling them watches, and I already had that trust there. Even today, clients connect and see that it's me and they feel comfortable buying from me. There may be other companies that are stronger than mine, but because I played the game, it helps the business. We have a bespoke service where we go to clients, and not just footballers. They prefer that service and it's an easier opportunity to sell products. I have a great relationship with the players and I make sure they are well looked after."

Calliste's business has grown exponentially in recent years, and he now earns significantly more than the average professional footballer. "We started with an office in Mayfair. Now, we have a storefront in North London. When you can take your inventory to a room of footballers, where there may be ten millionaires, that's better for everyone involved. They prefer that service and it's an easier opportunity to sell products. I have a great relationship with the players and I make sure they are well looked after."

No Regrets

Despite the disappointment of his football career being cut short, Calliste is grateful for the opportunities that life has presented him. "In the end, football just wasn't for me. With all the ability I had, it just wasn't my destiny. I wouldn't have met my wife, I wouldn't have met my children because I wouldn't have come to London at the time I did. That alone is the most important thing for me."

Ramon Calliste's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and ultimately, success. He may not have become the "new Ryan Giggs," but he has certainly made his mark on the world, proving that there is life, and indeed great success, after football.