10 Football Clubs Owned by Players As Mbappe Invests in French Second Tier Side
- While many footballers establish businesses and foundations, some choose to give back to the football community in a more direct way
- These players invest their money and time into becoming owner of professional football clubs, creating new avenues within the sport
- With Kylian Mbappe set to become one of the youngest club owners, we examine other footballers who have made investments in teams
New Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappe, is on track to be one of Europe's youngest football club owners after reportedly finalising a €20 million deal for a majority stake in Ligue 2 side Caen.
At just 25, he is set to buy 80% of the club's shares, while Pierre-Antoine Capton, chairman of the supervisory board, would retain the remaining 20% stake, said to be valued at €5 million.
Source: Getty Images
Negotiations have been underway for several weeks and are expected to conclude soon, as reported by Le Parisien.
This move would see Mbappé take over from the previous majority shareholder, the US investment fund, Oaktree.
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Caen, which finished sixth in Ligue 2 last season, would be effectively under Mbappé's ownership, per ESPN.
The French forward joins a growing list of high-profile footballers investing in and owning professional football clubs.
YEN.com.gh has highlighted the top 10 football clubs owned by famous players:
Football clubs owned by famous players
10. Jamie Vardy - Rochester New York FC
The former Leicester City star has ventured into lower-tier North American football.
As reported by the New York Times, Vardy became a co-owner of Rochester New York FC (formerly the Rochester Raging Rhinos) in 2021.
The club, which returned to action in 2022 after a five-year break, underwent a rebranding and aims to compete in the MLS Next Pro league. Vardy's investment has played a crucial role in revitalizing the team.
9. Wilfried Zaha - AFC Croydon Athletic
Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha is the latest celebrity to invest in lower-league football. Zaha, along with rapper Stormzy and investor partners, has joined a consortium to buy AFC Croydon Athletic in the ninth tier of English football.
Despite the club’s modest status in the Combined Counties League Premier South Division, Zaha and his partners are committed to enhancing the local community and supporting their local team.
8. Demba Ba, Eden Hazard, Yohan Cabaye, and Moussa Sow - San Diego 1904 FC
A star-studded group including Demba Ba, Eden Hazard, Yohan Cabaye, and Moussa Sow have come together to back San Diego 1904 FC.
Founded in 2018, this NASL expansion team made its professional debut in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) later that year. With such notable figures involved, the club aims to make a significant impact in U.S. soccer.
7. Didier Drogba - Phoenix Rising FC
Didier Drogba made history in 2017 as the first player-owner in football when he acquired a stake in Phoenix Rising FC of the USL Championship.
After a stint in MLS, Drogba's involvement extends beyond the field, as he continues to oversee the club's operations.
Alongside other shareholders, including Brandon McCarthy, Pete Wentz, and Diplo, Drogba remains a key figure in the club’s administration, per ESPN.
6. Gerard Piqué - Andorra FC
In December 2018, former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué purchased Andorra FC through his Kosmos Holding Group.
The club, based in Encamp, Andorra, plays in the third tier of Spanish football, Segunda División B.
Since Piqué’s acquisition, Andorra FC has climbed the ranks and is now set to compete in the Spanish second tier for the first time in its history.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimović - Hammarby IF
Zlatan Ibrahimović, the Swedish superstar, acquired a 23.5% stake in Hammarby IF in November 2019.
Despite not having a controlling share, Ibrahimović's involvement has stirred mixed reactions, particularly from fans of his former club Malmö FF.
Hammarby, which won the Svenska Cupen in the 2020/21 season, continues to strive for consistent success under Ibrahimović's influence.
4. Class of 1992 - Salford City
The legendary Class of 1992, including Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, and Nicky, bought Salford City in 2014.
David Beckham joined them in 2019, acquiring a 10% stake.
Their investment and upgrades have propelled the club from the English seventh tier to League Two, demonstrating their successful transformation of the club.
3. Paolo Maldini - Miami FC
Paolo Maldini, the former Italy and AC Milan icon, co-founded Miami FC with businessman Riccardo Silva in 2015.
Maldini, who served as the club's sporting director, has been instrumental in shaping Miami FC, which plays in the USL Championship. The club’s focus on lower divisions aligns with the current growth of American soccer.
2. Ronaldo Nazário - Real Valladolid
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário became the majority owner of Real Valladolid in September 2018.
Investing €30 million to acquire a 51% stake, Ronaldo has since increased his share to 82%.
Despite Real Valladolid’s fluctuating fortunes, Ronaldo's involvement remains a significant factor in the club's ambitions.
1. David Beckham - Inter Miami CF
David Beckham's journey to owning a football club began with an option to buy an MLS expansion team in 2007, which he declined.
After retiring, he pursued this opportunity and, in March 2014, bought Inter Miami CF for $25 million.
Despite a challenging start, Beckham’s investment has led to major changes, including the hiring of Gerardo “Tata” Martino as coach and the signing of stars like Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.
The club aims to build on these developments to achieve success in MLS.
Mbappe outlines ambitious plans for Real Madrid
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Kylian Mbappe stated ambitious plans as a Real Madrid player during his official presentation at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on July 16.
In his first speech, the former AS Monaco star shared aspirations and determination to achieve great things with the club, concluding with the spirited chant of 'Hala Madrid!'
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