Manny Santiago at a Glance
- Net Worth: $1.5 Million
- Birthdate: September 10, 1985
- Birthplace: Cayey, Puerto Rico
- Profession: Professional Skateboarder
- Nationality: Puerto Rican / American
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What is Manny Santiago’s Net Worth?
Manny Santiago has a net worth of $1.5 million. The professional skateboarder, widely recognized by his moniker “Manny Slays All,” built his wealth through a combination of professional competition winnings, long-term sponsorship deals, and his personal merchandise brand. As the first Puerto Rican skateboarder to compete in the Street League Skateboarding (SLS) championship, Santiago established himself as a marketable figure in action sports early in his career.
His financial portfolio relies heavily on endorsement contracts from major skate hard goods and lifestyle brands. Companies pay professional riders monthly salaries in addition to incentives for photo incentives, video parts, and contest podiums. Santiago secures income through partnerships with brands such as Rockstar Energy, Andale Bearings, and Tensor Trucks. Furthermore, his participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics significantly boosted his global profile, opening doors to international opportunities and renewed sponsorship interest.
Beyond traditional endorsements, Santiago generates revenue through his “Manny Slays All” (MSA) brand. This venture encompasses apparel and accessories, capitalizing on his strong social media following and unique personal brand. His digital presence on YouTube and Instagram serves as an additional revenue stream, where he monetizes content related to skate culture, travel, and lifestyle vlogging.
Early Life
Manny Santiago was born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, but spent his formative years in Lowell, Massachusetts. He moved to the United States at a young age, growing up in a rough neighborhood where he was frequently exposed to gang violence and crime. To keep him off the streets, his family encouraged him to pursue sports. He initially trained in boxing, a discipline that instilled a high level of physical resilience and discipline in him.
He discovered skateboarding at age 14, using it as an escape from the difficult environment of Lowell. The solitary nature of the sport appealed to him, allowing him to focus entirely on self-improvement. A pivotal moment in his youth occurred when a skateboarding accident resulted in the loss of a front tooth. Rather than fixing it immediately, he embraced the look, and the missing tooth eventually became his most recognizing physical trademark. This resilience defined his early years, as he spent countless hours perfecting his craft at local skate parks despite the lack of industry infrastructure in the area.
Career
Manny Santiago began his ascent in the skateboarding world through the amateur circuit on the East Coast. Unlike skaters in California who had direct access to industry moguls, Santiago relied on “sponsor me” tapes and regional contest domination to get noticed. His relentless work ethic and technical consistency on street obstacles helped him secure his first major breaks. He turned professional in 2010, a milestone that validated his decision to forego a traditional career path.
His competitive career reached a new tier when he entered Street League Skateboarding (SLS). Santiago gained widespread attention by winning the first-ever “SLS Select Series,” a qualifier circuit designed to bring new talent into the main league. This victory secured his spot on the World Tour, where he competed against the highest-ranked street skaters in the world, such as Nyjah Huston and Paul Rodriguez. His consistent performances in the league provided stable prize money and solidified his reputation as a contest threat.
Olympics
A major highlight of Santiago’s career was his qualification for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where skateboarding made its debut as an Olympic sport. Representing Puerto Rico, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of competing for his homeland on the world’s biggest stage. Although he did not medal, his participation was historic and brought significant media attention to Puerto Rican skateboarding. The exposure from the Olympic games allowed him to negotiate better terms with sponsors and expanded his audience beyond core skate fans.
Manny Slays All
Santiago distinguished himself by creating a crew and lifestyle brand known as “Manny Slays All” (MSA). What started as a personal slogan evolved into a recognizable logo and merchandise line. This entrepreneurial move allowed him to sell direct-to-consumer products, including hats, shirts, and accessories. MSA operates as both a business and a content hub, giving Santiago control over his image and providing income stability independent of external sponsors.
Personal Life
Manny Santiago maintains a strong connection to his Puerto Rican heritage, frequently visiting the island and participating in events to support the local skate community. He is known in the industry for his positive attitude and approachability, often engaging directly with fans at demos and contests.
He is a father and often credits his son as a primary motivation for his continued drive in professional sports. Santiago prioritizes physical health and fitness, incorporating gym work and recovery routines to maintain his longevity in a high-impact sport. He resides in Los Angeles, California, to stay close to the skateboarding industry’s epicenter, though he continues to cite Lowell and Puerto Rico as his true homes.
