LE MANS, France (BN24) — Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has officially joined the ownership group of French football club Le Mans FC, recently promoted to Ligue 2, the club announced Friday. This marks Djokovic’s latest venture beyond the tennis court, signaling his growing interest in the global sports business arena.
Djokovic’s investment is part of a broader consortium led by OutField, a Brazilian international group co-founded by Pedro Oliveira. The ownership group also includes former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, adding a unique cross-sport dimension to Le Mans FC’s evolving identity.
In a statement, Le Mans FC lauded Djokovic as “the most successful player in history,” emphasizing that his renowned mental toughness, competitive drive, and pursuit of excellence will bring “considerable added value” to the club’s culture and long-term vision. The inclusion of seasoned motorsport athletes Massa and Magnussen, with 15 and 10 F1 seasons respectively, is seen as a strategic asset to bridge football and motorsport — a core element of the Le Mans brand.
The partnership reflects Djokovic’s ambitions to diversify his portfolio in sports and business, expanding his influence beyond tennis. Le Mans FC, known for its fluctuating fortunes in French football, aims to leverage these high-profile owners to strengthen its position in the competitive Ligue 2 landscape.
The club is preparing to kick off its Ligue 2 campaign on August 9 with an away match against Guingamp, embarking on a new chapter under this fresh ownership consortium.
Credit: Al Jazeera
