Football is one of the world's biggest industries, and players have always planned to be involved in administrative duties after retirement. However, they have hit the ground running now and have started moves of owing a club even before their retirement. Below are active and former footballers who invest their money in football clubs.
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Paolo Maldini (Miami FC)
Paolo Maldini was an exceptional player for Italy during his playing career. He also played left back and central defence for AC Milan at the club level. Maldini currently serves as Milan's sporting strategy and development director and co-owner of America's second division club, Miami FC, owning 50% of it since May 2015.
David Beckham (Inter Miami CF and Salford City F.C)
Former English midfielder David Beckham excelled as a footballer with Manchester United and Real Madrid. He didn’t just stop as a great player; he is now a successful businessman. In 2018, Beckham became the founder and co-owner of Major League Soccer club Inter Miami CF. Currently, he is the majority owner of the club and the minority owner of EFL League Two club Salford City F.C.
Bet on Football with 1xBetGerard Piqué (FC Andorra)
Gerard Piqué was an extraordinary player for Spain during his career. In his prime, he played as a central back for Barcelona and Manchester United. Piqué bought FC Andorra through his company, Kosmos, in 2018.
Ronaldo (Real Valladolid)
Ronaldo made a name for himself playing for SC Corinthians Paulista, AC Milan, Real Madrid, FC Internazionale Milano, FC Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, and Cruzeiro EC. However, Ronaldo was announced as the majority shareholder of Spanish football club Real Valladolid after he purchased a 51% controlling stake in the team in September 2018. He also bought an ownership stake in his boyhood club, Cruzeiro, in 2021, but recent reports claimed he had sold the stake.
Bet on Football with 1xBetDidier Drogba (Phoenix Rising FC)
After being successful in Europe, especially with Chelsea, Didier Drogba joined United Soccer League Phoenix Rising FC in 2017, first as a player before transitioning to an executive position after a year. He purchased a minority ownership stake in the Arizona club and became the first player-owner in football history.
Jamie Vardy (Rochester New York FC)
Jamie Vardy has been performing well in his current club, Leicester City, and remains one of the best strikers ever in the Premier League. Jamie Vardy was unveiled as the new part owner of Rochester New York FC in 2021 before the club returned to activities in 2022.
Bet on Football with 1xBetSadio Mané (Bourges Foot 18)
Senegalese international and current Al Nassr winger Sadio Mané joined the list of players with a football club in 2023. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star purchased the French fourth-tier side Bourges Foot 18 on October 23rd, 2023.
N'Golo Kante (Royal Excelsior Virton)
N'Golo Kante is currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad. Notably, he bought Belgian third-tier club Royal Excelsior Virton on 30 June 2023, just after signing the lucrative deal with the Saudi club.
César Azpilicueta (Hashtag United)
César Azpilicueta enjoyed great success playing for Chelsea in England and is currently enjoying his spells with Atlético Madrid in La Liga. In 2018, he became one of the owners of the semi-professional football club Hashtag United, which is based in Essex, England.
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