Djokovic Teams Up with Former F1 Stars to Buy Stake in Le Mans FC

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has become a part-owner of the French Ligue 2 club Le Mans FC, joining an ownership group that includes former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, bringing together insights from high-performance sports in a shared mission to elevate the team. The collective investment is led by the Brazilian sports investment firm OutField. It includes Georgios Frangulis, contributing to a diverse and athlete-driven ownership structure.

Le Mans FC, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, has a recent history characterised by resilience. The club once fell to the fifth tier due to financial difficulties but has impressively climbed back to the professional ranks and secured its place in Ligue 2. Djokovic’s involvement not only provides financial support but also serves as a powerful symbol of ambition. As a tennis icon known for his mental strength and championship success, Djokovic is joining forces with motorsport legends to guide the club into its next chapter.

This move represents more than just financial backing; it signifies a strategic investment in both leadership and sports performance. It will be hoped that Djokovic’s winning mindset will help enhance the competitive culture within Le Mans. Meanwhile, Massa and Magnussen will bring their own discipline and global appeal, enhancing the club’s identity, especially given Le Mans’ historic connection to the famous endurance race.

For Djokovic, this venture marks a clever evolution in his career. As one of tennis’s most accomplished players, transitioning into a role as a stakeholder in football allows him to extend his influence into team management and club direction at an elite level, a field where strategic planning, branding and fan engagement are vital. This also reflects a growing trend among elite athletes to diversify their portfolios by investing in sports institutions with long-term potential.

For Le Mans, the support of internationally renowned athletes provides not only financial reinforcement but also a boost in marketing. It places the club on a larger global stage, sparking renewed interest among fans and sponsors and reinforcing the narrative of rebirth and upward momentum.