Home Football InternationalFrom the Pitch to the Boardroom: 10 Football Legends you didn’t know own stakes in football clubs

From the Pitch to the Boardroom: 10 Football Legends you didn’t know own stakes in football clubs

Oct 1, 2025 07:41 PM GMT+00:00

SportsLigue

Football

Football has always been more than just a game for the world’s biggest stars. After years of thrilling fans on the pitch, many legends are now trading their boots for boardroom seats, investing in clubs and shaping the sport from behind the scenes. The latest to make this move is Real Madrid icon Luka Modrić, who recently joined Swansea City’s ownership group.

This shift isn’t just about business, it’s about legacy, influence, and keeping a connection to the game that defined their lives. From David Beckham’s MLS revolution to Kylian Mbappé’s bold takeover in France, here are ten football greats who now own stakes in football clubs.

Luka Modrić – Swansea City (England)

In April 2025, Luka Modrić became part of Swansea City’s new ownership team. At 39, he remains focused on extending his glittering Real Madrid career but is already planning for life after playing.

Having previously starred for Tottenham in the Premier League, Modrić brings vital experience to the Championship side, which is now under refreshed leadership led by Andy Coleman and his partners. His arrival signals ambition as Swansea look to climb back toward England’s top flight.

David Beckham – Inter Miami (USA)

Few have transitioned from pitch to boardroom as successfully as Beckham. Even before retiring, he had ownership ambitions, starting with Salford City alongside his Class of ’92 teammates. But his biggest move came in the MLS, where he launched Inter Miami thanks to a unique clause in his LA Galaxy contract that allowed him to purchase an expansion team for just $25 million.

Fast-forward to 2025, and Inter Miami is valued at over $600 million, boosted by Lionel Messi’s headline arrival. Beckham’s influence has been nothing short of transformative for football in America.

Didier Drogba – Phoenix Rising (USA)

Drogba’s career came to a close in Arizona, but he left more than goals behind. At Phoenix Rising, he not only played but also secured a minority ownership stake. Before retiring in 2019, he scored 17 goals in 26 games and remains part of the club’s ambitious project as it eyes a future MLS spot.

N’Golo Kanté – Royal Excelsior Virton (Belgium)

Known for his quiet personality and tireless work ethic, Kanté surprised fans in 2023 by buying Belgian third-tier side Royal Excelsior Virton. Now based in Saudi Arabia, the French midfielder is committed to reviving the club’s fortunes. Virton sees his leadership not only as a financial boost but also as inspiration to push beyond mid-table mediocrity.

Paolo Maldini – Miami FC (USA)

Long before Beckham’s Inter Miami project took off, Maldini had already planted his flag in American football. In 2015, the AC Milan legend co-founded Miami FC with businessman Riccardo Silva. Maldini’s involvement helped attract global attention to the USL club, even bringing in Alessandro Nesta as coach. Though his focus has returned to Europe, his American venture marked a key chapter in his post-playing career.

Ronaldo (Brazil) – Real Valladolid (Spain)

Ronaldo Nazário, one of the greatest strikers in history, owns an 82% majority stake in Real Valladolid. Despite the club’s battles with relegation, the Brazilian remains committed to its long-term growth. He recently sold his shares in Cruzeiro after internal disputes, but his loyalty to Valladolid shows his determination to succeed as an owner.

Gerard Piqué – FC Andorra (Spain)

Never one to stay away from the spotlight, Piqué bought FC Andorra in 2018 through his company, Kosmos. Under his leadership, the club climbed into Spain’s Segunda Division before dropping back in 2024. Still, Piqué’s passion project lives on as he balances his wide-ranging ventures in tennis, esports, and his innovative Kings League.

Thierry Henry – Como 1907 (Italy)

Henry became a co-owner of Como in 2022, aiming to bring top-flight football back to the picturesque city on Lake Como. That dream became reality in 2024 when the club earned promotion to Serie A. With Henry’s former Arsenal teammate Cesc Fàbregas involved as coach and co-owner, Como is one of Italy’s most exciting football stories.

Zlatan Ibrahimović – Hammarby IF (Sweden)

Never short of drama, Zlatan joined Swedish side Hammarby as a co-owner in 2019. The move sparked outrage among Malmö fans, who vandalized his statue in protest. Despite the backlash, Zlatan’s investment has helped strengthen Hammarby, who finished second in Sweden’s top flight in 2024.

Kylian Mbappé – SM Caen (France)

At just 25, Mbappé showed his ambition extends far beyond scoring goals. In 2024, he acquired an 80% stake in SM Caen, a Ligue 2 club struggling financially. His involvement has already brought stability, prestige, and hope. As former coach Patrice Garande put it: “He’s not just here for fun; he’s here to win.”

The Bigger Picture

From Beckham in Miami to Mbappé in Caen, these investments highlight a new era where footballers are not only athletes but also entrepreneurs shaping the sport’s future. Whether driven by nostalgia, community ties, or business opportunity, their influence is reshaping the game from the inside out.

The transition from pitch to boardroom proves that football legends don’t stop making an impact when they retire—they simply find new ways to play.