London: Many top footballers have invested in clubs, securing ownership stakes as they plan for life after retirement. Some active players have also acquired shares in clubs to keep their investments running and generate financial gains. The list includes both active and retired footballers, showcasing their ventures beyond the pitch.
According to Ghana Web, Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar, received a 15% stake in Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr after agreeing to extend his contract, with the shares' estimated value being £50 million. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe, a forward for Real Madrid, owns an 80% majority stake in French club SM Caen. This acquisition, achieved through coalition capital, makes him the youngest owner of a professional club in a top European league at just 25 years old.
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqu© became the owner of the Spanish club Andorra in 2018. His investment firm, Kosmos Holding, led the acquisition, which facilitated the club's promotion from the Primera Catalonia to Spain's second division.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the prolific striker, owns a 50% stake in Swedish club Hammarby, making him the major shareholder. This investment was met with criticism from Malm¶ FF fans, who vandalized his statue at their facility, accusing him of betrayal after his stint with them from 1999 to 2001.
Luka Modric joined the ownership group of Swansea City in 2025. Previously under Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan, the club's majority shareholding was sold to Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Nigel Morris, and Jason Cohen in November. Modric's involvement marks his preparation for life after football.
David Beckham, the legendary English winger, co-owns and presides over Inter Miami, a Major League Soccer club in the United States. He played a pivotal role in establishing the club, which started competing in 2020, alongside majority owners Jorge and Jose Mas, who significantly contributed to developing the $1 billion Miami Freedom Park Stadium.
Didier Drogba invested in United Soccer League club Phoenix Rising FC in April 2017, becoming both co-owner and player. His agreement to hold stakes was part of his contract while playing between 2017 and 2018, during which he helped the club clinch the Western Conference title.
Ronaldo Naz¡rio, the Brazilian legend, owns an 82% majority stake in Spanish club Real Valladolid, maintaining active engagement in the sports business. Previously involved with Brazilian side Cruzeiro, he was compelled to sell his shares in April 2025 due to off-pitch struggles, facing backlash from fans demanding his resignation over poor performances, though he stated no convincing offer had been made to compel him to resign.