As Luka Modrić steps into a new chapter of his illustrious career by becoming a minority owner at Swansea City, he joins a growing list of football legends who are taking their passion for the game beyond the pitch. From Beckham to Drogba, these icons are not just investing in clubs, they’re helping shape the future of football from the boardroom.
Here’s a look at 12 football stars who also own football clubs:
1. Luka Modrić – Swansea City (Minority Owner)
The Real Madrid and Croatian midfield maestro recently joined the ranks of football club owners by becoming a minority stakeholder at Swansea City, a club playing in England’s Championship. While this marks his first official venture into football ownership, it reflects Modrić’s desire to remain connected to the game beyond his playing career. His involvement is expected to bring valuable insight and increased visibility to the Welsh club.
2. Kylian Mbappé – SM Caen (Top Shareholder)
Before becoming a global superstar, Mbappé had trials at SM Caen as a youngster. In 2023, he returned to the club in a different capacity—as a top shareholder. His investment was seen as a sentimental move and a step toward long-term influence in football governance. However, his first year as a club owner hasn’t gone smoothly, with the team slipping to the bottom of Ligue 2 and facing relegation fears.
3. David Beckham – Inter Miami CF (Co-Owner & President of Soccer Operations)
Arguably the most high-profile footballer-turned-owner, Beckham co-founded Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. After securing franchise rights as part of his contract with LA Galaxy, Beckham built the club from the ground up. Inter Miami launched in 2020 and made global headlines by signing Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba in 2023. Beckham remains highly involved in club operations and branding.
4. Gerard Piqué – FC Andorra (Owner via Kosmos Holding)
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué bought FC Andorra in 2018 through his company Kosmos Holding. Since then, he has invested in the club’s infrastructure and helped it climb from Spain’s fifth tier to Segunda División. Piqué’s vision includes modernizing club management and pushing for more innovation in football business, and he uses FC Andorra as a testing ground for new ideas.
5. Didier Drogba – Phoenix Rising (Former Co-Owner & Player)
The Ivorian legend joined Phoenix Rising FC in 2017, both as a player and co-owner. This unique dual role allowed Drogba to help the team on and off the pitch, contributing to the club’s rise in popularity in the USL Championship. Although he has since stepped away from ownership, Drogba’s time with the club left a lasting legacy, especially in increasing the team’s visibility and fan base.
6. Ronaldo Nazário – Real Valladolid & Cruzeiro (Owner & President)
Brazilian legend Ronaldo became the majority owner of Real Valladolid in 2018, helping to stabilize the club financially and guiding it between La Liga and Segunda División. In 2022, he returned to Brazil to purchase Cruzeiro, the club where he began his career. Ronaldo has taken a hands-on approach in both clubs, focusing on restructuring, youth development, and long-term sustainability.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimović – Hammarby IF (Co-Owner)
Zlatan shocked fans in 2019 when he acquired a stake in Swedish club Hammarby IF. While his investment was strategic and business-oriented, it caused controversy, particularly among Malmö FF supporters, where Zlatan started his career. Despite the backlash, Zlatan has continued to support Hammarby’s growth and branding efforts as one of Sweden’s most prominent clubs.
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8. Cesc Fàbregas – Como 1907 (Co-Owner & Assistant Coach)
After joining Italian club Como 1907 as a player, Fàbregas quickly transitioned into a leadership role, becoming part-owner and later taking up coaching duties. He is currently involved in the club’s strategic development and has spoken openly about his dream of helping Como return to Italy’s top flight. His presence has attracted attention from sponsors, fans, and young players.
9. Paolo Maldini – Miami FC (Co-Owner)
The legendary AC Milan defender co-owns Miami FC, a USL Championship side in the United States. Maldini’s involvement in Miami FC reflects his global football vision, blending European expertise with the growing American soccer market. Though less hands-on compared to some other owners, Maldini has lent his name and knowledge to help guide the club’s development.
10. Gary Neville & Ryan Giggs – Salford City (Co-Owners)
Part of the famous “Class of ’92,” Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, and a few other Manchester United alumni jointly own Salford City FC. Since taking over, they’ve overseen the club’s rapid rise through the English football pyramid, taking it from non-league status to League Two. The ownership group has also invested in stadium upgrades and youth development, aiming to establish Salford as a solid Football League side.
11. Héctor Bellerín – Forest Green Rovers (Minority Owner)
Bellerín, known for his strong views on sustainability and social justice, became a minority investor in Forest Green Rovers, widely regarded as the world’s greenest football club. The English side is recognized for its vegan menus, solar-powered stadium, and eco-friendly initiatives. Bellerín’s involvement is less about business and more about supporting a club that aligns with his environmental beliefs.
12. Mathieu Flamini – CD Leganés (Reported Stakeholder)
Beyond his football career, Flamini has made waves in the business world as a co-founder of a multi-billion-dollar green energy company. He reportedly holds a stake in CD Leganés, a Spanish club aiming for promotion to La Liga. Flamini’s off-field pursuits suggest his involvement in football ownership goes hand-in-hand with his entrepreneurial and environmental goals.
