For many footballers, the dream doesn’t end when they hang up their boots. Some stars both past and present, have taken their love for the game to the next level by buying stakes in football clubs. From investing in community teams to owning entire European sides, these players are proving that football is just as exciting behind the scenes as it is on the pitch.
Here are Footballers who went from playing one of the most attractive sports to signing cheques.
David Beckham – Inter Miami CF (USA)
After becoming one of the most recognisable faces in football, David Beckham moved into ownership with Inter Miami, a club he co-founded in MLS. Beckham’s influence has transformed the club into one of the league’s most talked-about teams, especially after landing Lionel Messi. He also has a minority stake in English club Salford City.
Moussa Dembélé – FK Minija Kretinga (Lithuania)
In one of the more unique ownership stories, Moussa Dembélé bought Lithuanian club FK Minija Kretinga. The French striker sees the project as a long-term investment and an opportunity to build something from the ground up while still playing professionally.
Ronaldo Nazário – Real Valladolid (Spain)
R9 didn’t just retire quietly, he went full boardroom. The Brazilian legend owns a majority stake in Real Valladolid in Spain and also took over his boyhood club Cruzeiro in Brazil. From the pitch to the executive suite, Ronaldo is shaping teams the same way he shaped defences: fearlessly.
Kylian Mbappé – SM Caen (France)
One of the youngest superstars to enter club ownership, Mbappé reportedly bought a major stake in French side SM Caen. The move sent a message: the next generation of football icons isn’t waiting until retirement to build empires.
Didier Drogba – Phoenix Rising (USA)
The Ivorian icon made headlines when he became a player-owner at Phoenix Rising. Yes, he literally played for the club while owning part of it. Drogba helped drive the club’s growth and visibility, making him one of the few modern footballers to combine ownership with active play.
Paolo Maldini – Miami FC (USA)
Paolo Maldini, one of AC Milan’s all-time greats, co-founded Miami FC in the United States. His legendary defensive mindset has translated into helping build a club with strong structure and ambition in the American soccer scene.
N’golo Kanté – Royal Excelsior Virton (Belgium)
In 2023, the humble midfield maestro shocked fans by acquiring Royal Excelsior Virton, a Belgian second-division club. Kanté bought the club after its former owners stepped aside, and he immediately began restructuring everything from the academy to the management. True to his personality, there was no noise, no PR campaign — just quiet, serious work. Kanté’s goal is to rebuild the club sustainably and create pathways for young talent. It’s very on-brand for one of football’s most selfless players.
Gerard Piqué – FC Andorra (Spain)
Long before retiring, Piqué’s interest in football as a business was clear. Through his company, Kosmos Holding, he bought FC Andorra and took the club from lower-league obscurity to climbing up the Spanish football ladder. Always the visionary, Piqué continues to reshape the club’s identity and culture.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence at Al Nassr goes beyond his goals. A recent report revealed that the Football icon holds a minor ownership stake, extending his impact from the dressing room to the boardroom.
True to his ambitious nature, Ronaldo is helping shape the club’s long-term direction, boosting its global profile and attracting major attention. For a player who always aims higher, partial ownership is a natural next step in building his legacy.
Zlatan Ibrahimović – Hammarby IF (Sweden)
Zlatan will Zlatan. The Swedish superstar bought a stake in Hammarby IF, sending shockwaves through Sweden especially among Malmö fans. Beyond the controversy, Zlatan’s ownership has brought attention, investment, and ambition to the Stockholm-based club.
Luka Modrić – Swansea City (Wales)
Modrić shocked many fans when news broke that he had become a minority co-owner of Swansea City. The Croatian maestro is expected to influence both sporting decisions and long-term planning, proving his football brain extends far beyond midfield magic.
Wrapping Up,
Footballers today are not just athletes, they are CEOs, investors, and strategists. Whether it’s Inter Miami or a small-town side in Lithuania, these stars are turning football ownership into the next frontier of their legacies.
