Novak Djokovic Joins Le Mans French Soccer Ownership Group/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has joined a high-profile group of investors acquiring a stake in French second-tier soccer club Le Mans. He’s joined by former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen. The move reflects a growing trend of elite athletes diversifying into sports ownership.
Djokovic Joins Le Mans Ownership – Quick Looks
- Novak Djokovic is now a stakeholder in Le Mans FC.
- Ex-F1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen also part of the group.
- Latin American investment firm OutField and OakBerry’s CEO also involved.
- No financial figures were disclosed in the club’s announcement.
- Le Mans FC competes in France’s second-tier soccer division.
- The club celebrates its 40th anniversary this season.
- Djokovic holds a men’s record 24 Grand Slam titles.
- The new investors bring both capital and star power.
- Le Mans’ new season kicks off August 9.
- The city is also known for its legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
Novak Djokovic Joins Le Mans French Soccer Ownership Group
Deep Look
LE MANS, France — Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic is expanding his sports empire, joining a team of high-profile investors acquiring a stake in French second-tier soccer club Le Mans FC. The club announced Friday that the Serbian icon is part of a newly formed ownership group that also includes former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen.
The announcement marks a significant development for Le Mans, a club based in northwestern France with both sporting ambition and a rich motorsport backdrop—it also hosts the world-renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
Star Athletes Turn to Sports Investment
The club’s president, Thierry Gomez, confirmed the news in an official statement, emphasizing that the project’s uniqueness lies in its association with elite athletes.
“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.”
Though no financial terms were revealed, the collaboration indicates a significant commitment from each of the new investors. The ownership group also includes OutField, a Latin American sports investment firm, and Georgios Frangulis, CEO and founder of OakBerry, an international açaí chain. Frangulis is also known as the partner of three-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka, further deepening the group’s ties to elite tennis.
Djokovic’s Expanding Portfolio
Djokovic’s foray into soccer investment adds another chapter to his storied legacy. The 38-year-old Serb is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, having won a men’s record 24 Grand Slam titles and 100 career titles overall. Known for his resilience, global popularity, and deep knowledge of sports dynamics, Djokovic now adds soccer ownership to his off-court resume.
He’s not the first athlete to diversify into team ownership, but his decision to invest in a second-tier French soccer club signals long-term vision, perhaps aiming to elevate the club’s status over time.
F1 Legends Bring Racing Pedigree to the Pitch
Djokovic isn’t the only world-class athlete joining the Le Mans ownership. Felipe Massa, one of Formula 1’s most beloved drivers, brings global recognition and competitive savvy to the table. The Brazilian amassed 11 wins and 41 podium finishes during his F1 career and nearly clinched the 2008 world title before a dramatic last-lap loss to Lewis Hamilton.
Kevin Magnussen, a Danish F1 driver who raced nearly 200 Grand Prix events and earned a podium and a pole position during his career, was also confirmed as part of the investor group. He most recently drove for Haas F1 Team but was not re-signed after the 2024 season.
Their combined involvement brings significant crossover appeal to Le Mans, drawing attention from racing fans as well as football enthusiasts.
A New Chapter for Le Mans FC
The investment arrives at a symbolic time for Le Mans FC, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The club competes in France’s Ligue 2, the second-highest tier of French football, and will begin its league campaign on August 9.
While Le Mans has had periods of promise—including a brief spell in Ligue 1 during the 2000s—the club has largely remained in the lower divisions. The injection of capital and the global recognition provided by Djokovic, Massa, and Magnussen may provide the momentum needed for a long-term ascent.
This move continues a global trend where elite athletes and entrepreneurs invest in soccer teams—often in less saturated markets—as a means of fostering growth, engagement, and brand extension.
Le Mans: More Than Motorsport
While the city of Le Mans is best known internationally for the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, its football club is now preparing to capture a new kind of spotlight. With big-name backers and a reinvigorated leadership team, Le Mans FC hopes to transform its on-field performance and off-field appeal.
Whether this ownership shift leads to promotion battles or sustained fanbase growth, one thing is certain: Novak Djokovic has added soccer to his growing list of professional ventures, and the sports world is watching.
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