Le Mans FC, a prominent French football club, has announced a significant restructuring of its ownership, welcoming a new consortium of investors that includes renowned figures from the world of sports. This strategic move aims to propel the club into a new era, leveraging high-profile endorsements and substantial financial backing.
Among the key investors are former Formula 1 stars Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, who now proudly co-own the club. Their involvement marks a fascinating intersection of elite motorsport and professional football, drawing parallels between the high-octane competitive environments of both disciplines.
Adding to the celebrity roster, tennis legend Novak Djokovic has also joined as a part-owner. This diverse group of athletes underscores a growing trend of sports icons investing in various sporting ventures, bringing not only capital but also global recognition and strategic insights to their new roles.
The timing of this investment is particularly opportune for Le Mans FC, fresh off securing promotion back to Ligue 2, the second tier of the French football pyramid. The influx of new capital and high-profile individuals is anticipated to provide a substantial boost to the club’s ambitions for continued ascent within the league structure.
Le Mans itself holds a powerful association with motor racing, being the host city for the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance event. The club intends to further capitalize on this inherent connection by integrating personalities like Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, enhancing its brand appeal to a wider international audience.
Felipe Massa, celebrated for his illustrious Formula 1 career with 11 Grand Prix victories across 269 starts for Sauber, Ferrari, and Williams, expressed his delight in joining the project. His deep-rooted passion for the game, combined with his extensive experience in elite sport, positions him as a valuable asset to the new ownership.
Kevin Magnussen, a former driver for McLaren, Renault, and Haas in Formula 1, also brings a unique perspective to Le Mans FC. Notably, Magnussen has direct experience with the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, having competed in the 2021 LMP2 class, further solidifying the link between the club and its famous city’s motorsport heritage.
The investment is spearheaded by OutField, a leading Latin American sports investment company, founded and led by Georgios Frangulis, also the CEO of OakBerry. This Brazilian investment fund is unique in its focus on partnering with top sportsmen and women, aligning perfectly with the vision of bringing celebrated athletes like Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa, and Kevin Magnussen into the club’s ownership.
This new strategic alliance is set to infuse Le Mans FC with renewed energy, significant financial resources, and unparalleled global visibility through its high-profile investors. The club looks forward to building on its recent success and achieving new milestones with the backing of these esteemed sports figures and their investment partners.