Le Mans FC has welcomed a fresh wave of investment as former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen become co-owners of the French second division club. Joining them in this venture is tennis icon Novak Djokovic, marking a high-profile alliance of sports stars backing the team.
The club recently secured promotion back to Ligue 2 and is positioning itself for growth with a revitalized ownership structure led by the Brazilian investment consortium OutField. This investment aims to leverage the global appeal of Le Mans, a name well known in motor racing and football circles alike.
The Significance of Massa and Magnussen’s Entry into Le Mans FC
Le Mans FC’s entry into Ligue 2 follows a consistent growth trajectory supported by new financial partners, spearheaded by OutField and OakBerry CEO Georgios Frangulis. Massa and Magnussen’s involvement links the club directly to the world of motorsport, benefiting from their international profiles.
Felipe Massa, with 11 Grand Prix wins representing Sauber, Ferrari, and Williams across 269 starts, brings extensive racing experience. Magnussen, meanwhile, connects both Formula 1 and endurance racing, having competed in the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 class.
This connection is symbolically important, as Le Mans is synonymous with both a legendary motorsport event and a competitive football team, making the partnership fitting and mutually beneficial.
I think everyone knows about my passion for football, which has led me to take this step,
said Massa.
He added,
Le Mans FC has a strong link with motorsport, and when my good friend and partner at Oakberry, Georgios Frangulis, introduced me to the project, I wanted to be part of it – all the more so alongside people I deeply respect, such as Djokovic, who needs no introduction, and Magnussen, with whom I shared many years in Formula 1.
It’s undeniably a great opportunity, taking advantage of the momentum of French football, the reigning Champions League champion [Paris Saint-Germain], which is currently attracting major investment.
Le Mans FC’s Vision and Evolving Football Landscape
Thierry Gomez, the club’s chairman and co-owner, reflected on the journey Le Mans FC has undertaken since his initial project presentation in 2016, when the club competed in the fifth tier of French football. His focus has been on sustainable growth rather than rushing to reach Ligue 1.
Over nine years, Le Mans has improved infrastructure, developed youth programs, expanded its women’s section, and created a unified community encompassing players, coaches, employees, managers, volunteers, partners, and supporters.
Now celebrating its 40th anniversary and a return to Ligue 2, the club recognizes the changing financial landscape of football, which demands adaptation to remain competitive at higher levels.
When I first presented my project to you on 7 July 2016, when the club was playing in National 3 and playing its matches at La Pincenardière, I made it clear straight away that my primary objective would not be to aim for accession to the top division at any price, but to put in place an overall project and a path that would enable the club to grow each year,
Gomez said.
He further explained,
But we need to be aware that football’s economic model has changed, with the top flight shrinking and new investors arriving. To exist in this new context and hope to continue to grow, we have no choice but to adapt, because our ambition remains the same: to fill the stadium and share great emotions TOGETHER.
Gomez expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership with OutField and its CEO Georgios Frangulis, highlighting their Latin American roots and shared passion for football as key to the collaboration.
The fund is also unique in that it invests in top sportsmen and women. Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen will all be part of the adventure.
The Broader Impact of This Sports Star Investment
The joining of forces between Le Mans FC and prominent figures like Massa, Magnussen, and Djokovic underlines a growing trend where elite athletes are diversifying investments into sports management and club ownership. Their participation brings visibility, potential new sponsorships, and cross-sport marketing opportunities.
For Le Mans, this investment signals a commitment to athletic excellence and sustainable growth while building on its dual heritage in football and motorsport. The club aims to capitalize on this momentum to strengthen its position in French football’s second tier and eventually challenge for promotion.
The enthusiasm from these internationally recognized sports figures could energize the fan base, attract new supporters, and help stabilize the club’s financial future in a competitive football ecosystem.
