Real‑World Hustle: Soccer Star’s Side Gig Gets Fans Talking

It was a goal—and a full-on publicity stunt—in one. Tomasz Skublak, a 28-year-old striker for Inter Toronto in Canada’s top soccer league, didn’t celebrate his goal in the usual way. Instead, he sprinted straight to the camera, pulled a real-estate business card from his pocket, flashed a quick “call me” gesture, and left fans buzzing.

The moment, caught on camera during a 4-1 thrashing of Atlético Ottawa, wasn’t just a goal—it was a marketing ambush. And it worked. The clip went viral, sparking a wider conversation about athletes balancing professional sports with side gigs.

From the Pitch to the Property Line

Skublak isn’t just a striker—he’s a realtor, and he’s not hiding it. He juggles two full-time roles: playing in Canada’s top division (where a new offside rule is being tested) and selling homes. Growing up near Toronto, he started his real-estate career three years ago and has since built a dual career, carefully managing both demanding schedules.

“The league’s been more intense lately,” Skublak told reporters. “But I’ve made it work.”

A Legacy of Side Hustles in Pro Sports

Balancing sports with other jobs isn’t new. Decades ago, in the early days of Major League Soccer, many players had to take on extra work because salaries were low. Take this example: a former D.C. United goalkeeper once processed mortgages while playing for the team.

Today, leagues like MLS and the Canadian Premier League (CPL) have higher minimum salaries—CAD 30,000 per year as a floor in the CPL, with a team salary cap of CAD 1.2 million. Yet, even with these improvements, many players still diversify their income. Some do it to supplement earnings, others to plan for life after sports.

The CPL’s Financial Reality and the Future of Player Incomes

While the CPL is growing and aiming to match MLS’s financial standards, the reality remains: not all players earn a living wage. Skublak’s viral business card moment shines a light on that truth, revealing the dual identities many athletes carry.

As the league evolves, stories like his remind fans—and aspiring pros—that sports careers don’t always follow the traditional path. Sometimes, the next big play isn’t just in the box score… it’s in the business card you pull out after scoring.