Novak Djokovic has indeed become a co-owner (minority investor) in the French Ligue 2 club Le Mans FC — a fascinating development combining sports crossover and brand development.
He joins a group of high-profile investors, including former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen.
The significant investment is led by the Brazilian consortium OutField, co-founded by Pedro Olivera, and also features Georgios Frangulis of OakBerry.
Le Mans FC highlighted that Djokovic’s mental strength and the F1 stars’ experience will bring considerable added value and create a unique link between football and motorsport.
Djokovic is known to be a passionate football fan. This move mirrors his earlier investment in Red Star Belgrade, demonstrating a continuing interest in supporting clubs with personal significance or emotional connection.
From a business perspective, investing in football offers diversification from tennis earnings and builds long-term wealth via club value appreciation and revenue growth.
Djokovic (and the group of athletes & investors) joining Le Mans FC is quite positive for the club, both immediately and long term. Here’s why:
•✅ 1. Financial stability & fresh capital
Le Mans has only recently returned to Ligue 2 after years outside the professional leagues.
The investment from Djokovic, Felipe Massa, Kevin Magnussen and OutField’s fund brings new capital, which can help:
•Improve training infrastructure
•Sign better players
•Strengthen the academy
•Modernize club operations
These are essential for competing sustainably and targeting promotion to Ligue 1.
🌍 2. Global visibility & marketing power
Djokovic isn’t just bringing money; he’s bringing a world-famous brand.
His association puts Le Mans on the international football map
This helps attract:
•Sponsors (including outside France)
•Merchandising deals
•Social media engagement
•International fans
That’s especially powerful for a club previously limited to local and national attention.
⚽ 3. Strategic approach
It’s not a random investment:
•Le Mans already has cultural value (iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race).
•The new investors (including F1 stars) want to build a club identity linked to motorsport, which could differentiate Le Mans from other Ligue 2 teams.
•This creative brand strategy can help the club grow commercial revenue beyond ticket sales.
