Tennis player Novak Djokovic steps into the world of football

Recently, tennis player Novak Djokovic, along with two former F1 racers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, became shareholders of the French football club - Le Mans FC.

Djokovic, along with two former F1 drivers, has become a shareholder in Le Mans FC - Photo: REUTERS

The official information has been confirmed by Sport Republic, the investment company that owns Southampton (England) and Göztepe (Türkiye).

This deal is a key part of Sport Republic's ambitious strategy to expand its network of satellite clubs across Europe and strengthen the cohesion between the unique sporting models it is building.

Notably, the main investment in Le Mans FC is led by Oakberry CEO Georgios Frangulis - who is also the partner of world number 1 female tennis player Aryna Sabalenka - along with Brazilian company OutField.

Former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa said in a club statement: "I think everyone knows my passion for football, which has led me to take this step today.

Le Mans FC has a strong connection to motorsport. When a good friend and partner at Oakberry, Georgios Frangulis, introduced this project, I wanted to be a part of it – especially with people I have great respect for like Djokovic and Magnussen."

Two former F1 racers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen both feel honored to cooperate with Djokovic - Photo: nytimes.com

Massa further highlighted the potential of the deal: "This is clearly a great opportunity, taking advantage of the growth of French football, which has a current Champions League champion and is attracting significant investments."

“We want to help develop the city’s brand and sporting heritage,” added Frangulis. “Le Mans has a unique name in the world of sport. Novak, Felipe and Kevin understand this better than anyone, and that’s why they’re so excited.”

Le Mans FC President and Owner Thierry Gomez explained the development direction: "We have built a solid foundation for the club. This new partnership gives us the resources to develop responsibly.

Our immediate priority: investing in infrastructure and facilitating a new training centre approved by the DTN (national technical directorate), with the aim of once again becoming a national model for training in the medium term."

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic expressed his pride at being part of the rebirth of a club with a rich tradition in France. The move marks a new step for the Serbian as an investor, following the success of previous sports projects he has participated in in the Balkans.

Le Mans FC is a historically significant football club in France , located in the city of Le Mans – world-renowned for the legendary Le Mans 24-Hour race. Founded in 1997, Le Mans FC has experienced many ups and downs, having previously competed in Ligue 1 before facing financial difficulties and being relegated.

The club currently competes in Ligue 2 (the second division of French football) with the aim of returning to its former high position in Ligue 1. Le Mans FC is particularly special because of its deep connection with the city's sporting heritage, where the spirit of speed and endurance has been inspired for generations.

TUAN LONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tay-vot-novak-djokovic-dat-chan-vao-the-gioi-bong-da-20250802080904557.htm