These footballers became owners of football clubs
With their generous salaries and lucrative sponsorship deals, footballers usually don’t have to worry about their financial affairs, despite their luxurious lifestyles. Especially not when their money is invested wisely. Often, these investments are made in real estate, restaurants, or personal pursuits. Nowadays, we also see footballers investing in paddle courts. Others prefer to stay within the realm of football and invest their money in owning a football club. These ten players chose to become owners of a football club.
1.Gerard Pique – FC Andorra
In 2013, Gerard Piqué, along with a group of investors, acquired FC Andorra, a small club competing in the lower divisions of Spanish football. Since then, Piqué has been actively involved in the club’s operations, aiming to elevate its stature and competitiveness. Piqué indeed appears to be quite entrepreneurial. The former defender of FC Barcelona also initiated an innovative football competition: The Kings League.
2. David Beckham – Inter Miami
David Beckham stands out as one of the most talked-about club owners in this lineup. This isn’t just due to his name, status, and sideline ventures, but also because he, along with his club, Inter Miami, managed to secure signings such as Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez in recent seasons… That’s truly a dream as an club owner.
3. Hector Bellerin – Forest Green Rovers
Hector Bellerin is a shareholder of Forest Green Rovers. The football club based in Gloucestershire has garnered attention for its commitment to environmental sustainability in football. The club’s stadium, The New Lawn, is entirely vegan, serving plant-based food and beverages to both players and spectators. Additionally, the stadium boasts solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and an organic playing surface, minimizing its carbon footprint. Bellerin’s investment in Forest Green Rovers aligns with his personal advocacy for environmental causes.
4. Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas – Como
5. Cesar Azpilicueta – Hashtag United
While it may not be a professional football club, it is certainly a unique investment. Cesar Azpilicueta’s involvement with Hashtag United marks an intriguing fusion of traditional football and digital culture. Hashtag United, originally a YouTube football team, has transformed into a recognized club competing in non-league football in England.
6.Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Hammarby IF
Zlatan Ibrahimović owns Swedish top-flight side Hammarby IF. Ibrahimović bought in 2019 a 23.5% stake in the club, causing displeasure among fans of his childhood club, Malmo FF. The fans would later vandalize Zlatan’s statue in protest. Despite not having a controlling share in Hammarby, Zlatan is actively involved in the running of the club.
7.Ronaldo Nazario – Real Valladolid
After Real Valladolid secured promotion to La Liga in 2017, the club announced its new owner: Brazilian football legend Ronaldo. In September 2018, Ronaldo made history by becoming the first former player to purchase a major European league club, investing €30 million for a 51% stake in Real Valladolid. Over time, his ownership share increased to 82%. Despite this, the club faced relegation in 2021, followed by promotion in 2022, and another relegation thereafter, earning them the label of a yo-yo club.
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8.Class of 1992 (Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, David Beckham and Nicky Butt) – Salford City
Salford City competes in the English 7th-tier league. In 2014, members of the Manchester United Class of 1992 – Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, and Nicky Butt – acquired ownership. Later that year, Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim purchased 50% of the club, while the remaining half was divided among the Class of 92. Substantial investments, including from Lim, enhanced the Peninsula Stadium and bolstered the team. David Beckham also acquired a 10% stake in January 2019. Since assuming control, the Class of 92 have steered Salford to full-time professionalism and secured promotion to League Two, marking significant progress.
9.Didier Drogba – Phoenix Rising
Drogba is one of the big names who ended his career in MLS. And apparently, American football appealed to him, as he decided to invest his money. Following his time in MLS, Drogba joined USL Championship team Phoenix Rising FC in 2017, becoming a minority owner. Phoenix Rising FC currently competes in the second-tier of US football.
10. Paolo Maldini – Miami FC
Paolo Maldini transitioned from player to director at Miami FC after retiring. The club cannot be confused with David Beckham’s club, Inter Miami. His partnership with businessman Riccardo Silva led to the club’s founding in 2015, competing in the USL Championship. Maldini appointed former teammate Alessandro Nesta as the club’s inaugural coach.
