Tennis player Novak Djokovic enters the world of football.

Recently, tennis player Novak Djokovic, along with two former F1 drivers, 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 information has been officially 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 was led by Oakberry CEO Georgios Frangulis – who is also the partner of world number one female tennis player Aryna Sabalenka – along with the Brazilian company OutField.

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

Le Mans FC has a close connection to motorsports. When a good friend, my partner at Oakberry, Georgios Frangulis, introduced this project, I wanted to be a part of it – especially alongside people I greatly admire like Djokovic and Magnussen.”

Former F1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen both feel honored to be working with Djokovic - Photo: nytimes.com

Massa further emphasized the potential of the deal: "This is clearly a great opportunity, taking advantage of the momentum of French football, which is home to the current Champions League champions and is attracting significant investment."

Mr. Frangulis added: "We want to help develop the city's brand and sporting heritage. Le Mans has a unique name in the world of sports. Novak, Felipe, and Kevin understand this better than anyone, and that's why they are so excited."

Thierry Gomez, chairman and owner of Le Mans FC, 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 center 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 in contributing to the rebirth of a historically significant club in France. This move marks a new step for the Serbian tennis player as an investor, following the success of his previous sports projects 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.

Currently, the club is competing in Ligue 2 (the second tier of French football) with the goal of returning to its former high position in Ligue 1. What makes Le Mans FC special is its deep connection to 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