Notable Footballers Who Became Club Owners While Playing

The landscape of football ownership has evolved as players increasingly invest in clubs while still actively competing on the pitch. Recently, Cristiano Ronaldo joined this trend, adding his name to a growing list of footballers who have taken ownership stakes in clubs during their playing careers. This article explores several notable players who have ventured into club ownership, showcasing their investments and the impact on the clubs involved.

Kylian Mbappé’s Investment in SM Caen

In 2024, French forward Kylian Mbappé purchased a majority stake in SM Caen, a club competing in Ligue 2 at the time. Through his company, Interconnected Ventures, Mbappé reportedly invested €15 million (approximately $17.7 million). However, the club has struggled since the change in ownership, finishing at the bottom of Ligue 2 last season and currently sitting ninth in Ligue 3.

Other Footballers Making Their Mark

Croatian midfielder Luka Modric owns a minority stake in Swansea City, part of an ownership group that includes rapper Snoop Dogg and American business mogul Martha Stewart. This collaboration aims to elevate the club’s profile and engage new fans.

Meanwhile, Héctor Bellerín, while still with Arsenal, became the second largest shareholder of Forest Green Rovers in 2020. The club’s commitment to environmental sustainability aligns with Bellerín’s advocacy for social responsibility, as they became the world’s first carbon-neutral club in 2017. Currently, Forest Green Rovers compete in the National League, the fifth tier of English football.

In Spain, Gerard Piqué made headlines when his company, Kosmos Group, acquired FC Andorra in 2018. The club was then in the fifth tier of Spanish football but has since advanced to the second tier, currently positioned in 17th place.

French midfielder N’Golo Kanté expanded his horizons in 2023 by purchasing Royal Excelsior Virton, a club in the third tier of Belgian football. He also took on the role of club chairman during the acquisition, as Virton was in the process of regaining its professional license. Presently, the team is performing mid-table in their league.

In the United States, former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy became a minority stakeholder in Rochester New York FC in 2021. While he did not invest any personal funds, this move was intended to enhance the club’s image and attract new talent. Unfortunately, Rochester played in MLS Next Pro in 2022 but folded in 2023.

Senegalese forward Sadio Mané became the majority owner of Bourges Foot 18 in 2023. Competing in the French fourth tier, Mané’s investment aimed to bolster the club’s ability to attract players and improve its standing, which remains in the same league.

Lastly, César Azpilicueta, the former Chelsea defender, has been a co-owner of Hashtag United, a semi-professional team based in Essex, for several years. The club competes in the Isthmian League Premier Division and has gained attention for its unique approach to football and community engagement.

These footballers illustrate a growing trend within the sport, where players leverage their fame and financial resources to invest in clubs. As they continue to lace up their boots while managing ownership responsibilities, the dynamics of football are shifting, creating new opportunities and challenges in the world of sports.