Key Highlights
- Thibaut Courtois joins Novak Djokovic and Formula One icons as co-owner of French club Le Mans FC.
- The Brazilian investment firm OutField has acquired a stake in the club alongside world-renowned athletes and investors.
- Le Mans FC currently sits fifth in France’s second tier, three points behind leaders.
- Investments by celebrities are drawing comparisons to Wrexham AFC owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The Rise of Celebrity Ownership in Football
Novak Djokovic, the tennis legend, is no longer alone as a sports star investing in football clubs. He’s joined by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Formula One stars Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, all co-owners of French club Le Mans FC.
The Brazilian Investment Firm’s Role
Le Mans FC was acquired last summer by the Brazilian investment firm OutField. Now, Courtois is taking a stake through his company NxtPlay. This move follows examples set by Real Madrid colleagues Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
A Level Playing Field?
The parallels with Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership of Wrexham AFC are clear. Both groups bring a mix of financial resources, media presence, and brand recognition to their respective clubs. The question remains: can these investments level the playing field or just add another layer of complexity?
The Vision for Le Mans FC
Le Mans aims to become a national benchmark in youth development, rooted in its motorsport heritage. With Thierry Gomez as president, the club is focused on strengthening sporting performance and developing the brand both locally and internationally.
“One of the project’s pillars is already underway: the construction of a training centre dedicated to developing local talent.”
A New Era for Football?
The involvement of high-profile athletes and investors signals a new era in football, where sports stars are not only playing but also investing in their future. As Le Mans FC continues to develop under its ambitious plan, the true impact of this ownership model will be watched closely.
