Giorgio Chiellini, one of Italy’s most celebrated defenders and Euro 2020 champion, has invested in Mercury/13, an ambitious multi-club women’s football organization. The 40-year-old former Juventus star, who recently returned to the club in a strategic role, has joined forces with the investment group, which has pledged $100 million to support the growth of women’s football across Europe.
Chiellini becomes the highest-profile male player to invest in the women’s game, a move hailed as trailblazing by Mercury/13 co-CEO Mario Malavé. “He’s not just doing it for the story. He truly believes this is a fantastic investment opportunity,” Malavé said. He emphasised that Chiellini’s involvement highlights the rapid growth potential in women’s football, which is still in its early stages compared to the mature men’s game.
Chiellini, who concluded his playing career with Los Angeles FC in 2023, has long shown an interest in business, having completed both an economics degree and an MBA. His experience in the U.S., where women’s football has made significant strides, inspired him to take a leading role in developing the game in Europe.
“After my time in the U.S., I saw how much potential women’s football has, especially in Europe,” Chiellini said. “I’m proud to be part of a project that aims to create more opportunities for female athletes and elevate the sport internationally.”
Mercury/13 aims to establish women’s football clubs in Europe’s five major footballing nations—Italy, Spain, England, France, and Germany—within two years. The group, which had previously attempted to acquire English club Lewes, has already invested in Italian club Como as part of its expansion strategy.
Malavé stressed that Mercury/13’s business model is about holistic growth rather than individual club investments. “We don’t fundraise for individual clubs. Every investor in Mercury/13 is supporting the overall vision of growing women’s football,” he explained. Chiellini’s involvement, he noted, underscores the growing recognition of women’s football as not only a meaningful mission but also a significant business opportunity.
Chiellini’s investment in Mercury/13 signals a broader shift in how women’s football is being viewed by high-profile athletes and investors alike. With his commitment, he joins a growing number of figures from the men’s game who are getting involved in women’s football, not just as a show of support but as a recognition of its commercial and athletic potential.
As Mercury/13 continues its ambitious plans to build a network of top-tier women’s clubs across Europe, Chiellini’s leadership and investment will play a vital role in the continued growth and global development of the women’s game.
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