High-profile stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé are increasingly transitioning into club ownership, leveraging their massive career earnings to shape the future of European football from the boardroom.
A new era of athlete-driven investment is sweeping through football as several of the game’s biggest icons acquire stakes in professional clubs.
Cristiano Ronaldo, recently named football’s first billionaire, has expanded his business empire by purchasing 25% of Spanish side Almería.
This follows Kylian Mbappé’s high-profile 80% takeover of Ligue 2 outfit Caen. “It has been a long-held ambition of mine to contribute to football beyond the pitch,” Ronaldo remarked, reflecting a growing desire among elite players to build lasting legacies as owners.
The trend extends beyond current Galácticos to include former Chelsea stars and Premier League veterans.
Didier Drogba’s involvement with Phoenix Rising and N’Golo Kanté’s acquisition of Royal Excelsior Virton highlight a shift where players seek to “stabilize finances and push for a return” to top-tier competition.
While some, like Ronaldo Nazário at Real Valladolid, have faced challenges, the influx of player-owners is “rewriting their legacies,” transforming global superstars into strategic decision-makers responsible for the long-term health and growth of the sport.