10 football icons who are now club owners

The lines between footballer, brand, and businessman are blurring in today’s game. For some of the sport’s biggest names—past and present—the next move isn’t coaching or punditry. It’s ownership.

From Championship grounds in Wales to stadiums on the Florida coast, these ten football legends have taken their talents from the pitch to the boardroom. Some are still lacing up their boots. Others are shaping the sport from the sidelines. All of them have bet on football’s future by investing in their own clubs.

Luka Modrić – Swansea City (Wales, UK)

Still orchestrating midfield magic for Real Madrid at 39, Modrić joined Swansea City’s ownership group in April 2025. The Croatian took a minority stake—around 5%—in the Championship club, which is currently mid-table but showing signs of momentum.

Having previously made 160 appearances for Spurs, Modrić is no stranger to British football. “Swansea has a strong identity… my goal is to support the club’s growth in a positive way,” he said when the deal was announced. While his contract in Madrid is up next summer, Modrić remains focused on extending his playing days—and quietly preparing for the next phase of his football life.

Kylian Mbappé – SM Caen (France)

Mbappé stunned many in 2024 by acquiring an 80% stake in Caen, a struggling Ligue 2 side. The $16 million deal marked one of the most ambitious moves yet by an active player. Caen was relegated to the third tier this season, and fans have been critical of management decisions, some pointing fingers at Mbappé’s inner circle.

Still, the forward insists he’s committed to long-term change. A former Caen target as a youth, he’s now tasked with reversing the club’s downward spiral—not with goals, but with governance.

N’Golo Kanté – Royal Excelsior Virton (Belgium)

Kanté’s move to Saudi Arabia may have made headlines, but it was his quiet takeover of third-division Belgian side Virton in 2023 that truly reflected his character. He became the club’s sole owner and chairman, promising to focus on youth development and structural integrity.

Two years on, the project is progressing. Virton has climbed the table and sits just outside the promotion zone. Kanté’s investment wasn’t flashy—it was intentional, grounded, and reflective of a player who’s always preferred action to words.

David Beckham – Inter Miami (USA)

Beckham’s move into ownership was always expected. After leveraging an MLS contract clause to buy an expansion franchise for $25 million, he launched Inter Miami in 2018.

Today, the club is worth over $600 million. His most iconic move? Signing Lionel Messi in 2023. “That was my plan,” Beckham said. “To inspire the next generation.” He also owns a stake in Salford City, sharing the project with his Class of ’92 teammates.

Paolo Maldini – Miami FC (USA)

Maldini co-founded USL side Miami FC in 2015 with Riccardo Silva. While he’s no longer active in club operations—having returned to AC Milan as technical director before his 2023 departure—his investment helped establish the club’s early identity.

Though Maldini’s future in management remains uncertain, Miami FC still represents his early post-retirement vision of growing the game stateside.

Gerard Piqué – FC Andorra (Andorra)

Piqué bought FC Andorra in 2018 through his company, Kosmos Holding. The club quickly rose through Spain’s lower divisions, reaching the Segunda before being relegated in 2024.

Between his E-Sports ventures, Kings League, and recent legal controversies, Piqué’s post-playing career has been anything but quiet. Yet FC Andorra remains a fixture in his growing portfolio.

Didier Drogba – Phoenix Rising (USA)

Drogba’s final act as a player came with Phoenix Rising, where he became the first-ever player-owner in modern football. Joining the Arizona-based USL club in 2017, he scored 17 goals in 26 appearances before retiring in 2019.

He still holds a minority stake. Phoenix has yet to join the MLS, but Drogba’s pioneering ownership model inspired many who followed.

Ronaldo Nazário – Real Valladolid (Spain)

In 2018, Ronaldo purchased an 82% stake in Valladolid. The two-time World Cup winner oversaw promotions and relegations in a volatile tenure, and briefly considered selling in 2024 before changing his mind.

He also sold his stake in Brazilian club Cruzeiro that same year, choosing to double down on his Spanish project. Valladolid remains a work in progress, but Ronaldo is still at the helm.

Zlatan Ibrahimović – Hammarby IF (Sweden)

Zlatan acquired just under 25% of Hammarby in 2019, sparking outrage from Malmö fans, who vandalized his statue in protest.

Though he returned to AC Milan soon after, the Swedish legend has retained his stake. Hammarby finished second in the Allsvenskan last season but still lag behind Malmo—something Zlatan may or may not be quietly plotting to change.

Thierry Henry – Como 1907 (Italy)

Henry became a minority shareholder in the Italian side Como in 2022. His former Arsenal teammate Cesc Fàbregas joined soon after, first as a player and then as manager.

Together, they’ve helped Como earn promotion to Serie A. Henry said his goal was “to invest in the community” and “create jobs.” With Como’s rise, that vision is starting to take shape.