Football has evolved into a billion-dollar global business, with clubs generating vast sums of money through sponsorships, media rights, ticket sales, and merchandise.
With such financial potential, the transition from player to club owner might seem like a leap, but it makes financial sense for some former football stars who have wisely invested after retirement.
Here are the top ex-footballers who own a stake in clubs across Europe, using their experience on the pitch to manage their ownership roles.
1. David Beckham (Inter Miami CF)
Legendary Manchester United winger David Beckham’s move into football ownership was highly anticipated, and he certainly didn’t disappoint when he made the leap.
In 2014, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced that Beckham and a group of investors would own Inter Miami CF, a club that began playing in the MLS in 2020.
Beckham was instrumental in bringing the club into existence and continues to be involved in its development with his visionary leadership and mentality of building a competitive and successful football club in the US.
2. Didier Drogba (Phoenix Rising FC)
Ivorian legend Didier Drogba became a minority owner of Phoenix Rising FC in 2017, making him the first player-owner in the club’s history.
His investment is part of his broader desire to contribute to football development in North America, particularly through Phoenix Rising FC.
Drogba’s co-owners at the club include Grammy-winning producer Diplo, Pete Wentz, Brandon McCarthy, Berke Bakay, and advertising CEO Tim Riester, among other investors.
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3. Ronaldo de Lima (Real Valladolid)
World Cup winner and Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario de Lima became a majority shareholder and the head of the board of directors at Real Valladolid.
Despite owning the majority of the club, Ronaldo agreed to let the president of the club retain his position while taking on the role of president of the board.
Recently, Ronaldo hinted at selling his majority share after selling Brazilian club Cruzeiro, but since Real Valladolid’s promotion to the top tier, he has put those thoughts behind him.
4. Paolo Maldini (Miami FC)
Paolo Maldini, the legendary defender for AC Milan and Italy, teamed up with TV rights magnate Riccardo Silva to launch Miami FC. This new club began playing in the second-tier North American Soccer League in 2016.
Maldini and Silva are backed by a group of international investors led by Antonio Barreto, a long-time sports and media entrepreneur who is the club’s CEO.
Since becoming a co-owner, the club’s profile has risen, establishing Miami FC as one of the best Florida-based clubs in the US.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Hammarby IF)
Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic became a part-owner of Hammarby IF, Sweden’s oldest and one of its finest top-flight clubs, after investing in sports and live entertainment company AEG.
Anschutz Entertainment Groups (AEG), which had been the largest external investor in Hammarby since 2001, reduced its stake in 2019 when Zlatan acquired 23.5 percent of the club’s shares.
Since Zlatan’s involvement in the club, his profile as a legend has boosted the profile and visibility of the club since then.
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6. Thierry Henry (Como)
Como, an Italian top-flight club owned by Indonesian tobacco giants Djarum, went bankrupt in 2016 before experiencing a remarkable rise from the fourth tier to Serie B.
Now playing in Serie A, the club announced French and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as a new shareholder in 2022.
Since the club was purchased by the Hartono brothers, who were ranked among the world’s wealthiest in 2022, Como’s fortunes have improved significantly alongside a new shareholder like Henry.
7. Gerard Piqué (Andorra FC)
After transforming tennis’ Davis Cup through his company, Kosmos Holding, Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué acquired Andorra FC in 2018.
The club, which plays in the Primera Federación Group A in Spain, saw significant development under Piqué’s ownership, including securing its first sponsor, MoraBanc, in 2019.
Piqué’s acquisition was approved by the club’s members, with 206 voting in favor of the ex-Barcelona defender.
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8. Ryan Giggs (Salford City)
Ryan Giggs, alongside several former Manchester United teammates, purchased a stake in Salford City in 2014.
The group, which includes the Neville brothers Gary and Phil, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Ryan Giggs, has helped transform the club’s fortunes by infusing their football knowledge into its development.
The “Class of ’92” also agreed to a deal in which Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim assumed a 50% stake in Salford City.
Conclusion
Ex-footballers investing in football clubs is becoming increasingly common, allowing them to stay close to the sport they once played and love while making an impact off the pitch.
Whether taking a hands-on approach to club management or playing a more passive investment role, these footballing legends have demonstrated their ability to invest wisely after retirement.
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