Novak Djokovic and Former F1 Stars Join Ownership Group of Le Mans FC
Novak Djokovic Joins Investment Group to Acquire Stake in Le Mans FC
Novak Djokovic, the tennis icon known for his record-shattering 24 Grand Slam titles, has joined a roster of high-profile investors in acquiring a stake in French second-tier football club Le Mans FC, the team announced Friday. Among the investment group are former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, further adding star power to the venture’s profile.
Le Mans FC issued a statement confirming the partnership and unveiling additional new stakeholders, such as Latin American sports investment firm OutField and Georgios Frangulis, the founder and CEO of OakBerry. Notably, Frangulis is romantically linked to Aryna Sabalenka, the three-time women's Grand Slam champion.
Le Mans FC president Thierry Gomez expressed his excitement about the infusion of elite sports personalities into the club’s ownership group. “The uniqueness of this fund also lies in its contribution from high-level athletes,” Gomez said. “Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa, and Kevin Magnussen will be part of the adventure.”
While Le Mans did not disclose financial details, the involvement of such prominent figures lends credibility to the club’s ambitions to grow both on and off the pitch as it marks its 40th anniversary this year.
Djokovic: A Sporting Legend
Djokovic, now 38, is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Beyond his 24 Grand Slam wins, the Serbian superstar has claimed 100 career titles, solidifying his place in sporting history.
Felipe Massa: Formula 1 Prestige
Felipe Massa, the Brazilian race driver, brings his own level of prestige to the table. Over the course of his Formula 1 career, Massa recorded 11 victories and stood on the podium 41 times. His most famous campaign came in 2008 when he narrowly missed out on the F1 championship, losing to Lewis Hamilton in one of the sport’s most dramatic finales.
Kevin Magnussen: Passion for Motorsport
Kevin Magnussen, representing Denmark, drove nearly 200 Formula 1 races during his career, earning one podium and one pole position. While Magnussen departed Haas after his contract expired last year, his passion for motorsport remains intact, and his involvement with Le Mans FC underscores his commitment to diversifying into other sports.
A New Chapter for Le Mans FC
Le Mans FC is based in the small but culturally rich city of Le Mans in northwestern France, home to the internationally renowned 24-hour endurance car race. The football team kicks off its league campaign on August 9, hoping to achieve new milestones with its refreshed ownership and growing aspirations.
As Le Mans continues to build on the legacy of its 40-year history, the injection of top-tier athletes and investors could prove to be a turning point, charting a new course for success in French football.
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