After retirement most footballers choose to become either coaches or television commentators although some exceptional athletes decided to invest in club ownership. These renowned footballers from Europe and beyond have started to influence the sports direction through the top positions they occupy from America to destinations throughout the world.
Various football legends used their playing experience to build remarkable careers through establishing their ownership of clubs and became both founders and chairmen during their playing careers.
Luka Modrić
Much to the surprise of fans, Modrić became part of the ownership group of Swansea City in 2025. Like many Croatian legends, Luka Modrić, distinguished himself through both beauty and strategic thinking in matches. Currently he is taking long-term plans into consideration. Luka Modrić is building a post-retirement football career which takes him across Tottenham to Madrid followed by South Wales.
David Beckham
The business acumen which David Beckham demonstrates matches his legendary free kick abilities. The former LA Galaxy player launched Inter Miami CF because his contract included an affordable provision to establish a new MLS franchise. Through his partnership with Lionel Messi Beckham made a crucial move which immediately elevated the standard of American soccer.
Didier Drogba
When he finished playing at Phoenix Rising FC, Drogba took the position of both active team member and club ownership. With this investment, Drogba created a model for modern football owner-athletes that inspired additional athletes to follow his path.
N’Golo Kanté
N’Golo Kanté achieved worldwide recognition for his modest personality while working tirelessly so it was no surprise when he bought Royal Excelsior Virton which plays in the Belgian third tier. He purchased the club yet further took on the role of its chairman. Through this purchase Kanté demonstrates his quiet and effective method of making an impact.
Paolo Maldini
Miami FC began in 2015 through the establishment of Paolo Maldini who served as an AC Milan legend. The team gained management expertise from Alessandro Nesta after Maldini recruited him to join the organization. The involvement of Maldini elevated American soccer through its European class while boosting its international standing.
Ronaldo Nazário
The Brazilian sensation Ronaldo controls 82% of ownership in Spanish club Real Valladolid. The ownership possibilities did not sway Ronaldo to sell the club and he made the decision to continue supporting his team. Ronaldo uses his stake in Real Valladolid as both a strategic investment and a means to build his post-retirement legacy away from playing soccer.
Gerard Piqué
After buying FC Andorra in 2018 Gerard Piqué developed into a forward-thinking mind that reshaped football worldviews. Through his leadership Piqué initiated the Kings League which blends football matches between pro and amateur squads with entertainment aspects. Through esports he actively participates in the industry in addition to his other professional contributions.
Thierry Henry
France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry invested his fortune into Como 1907 while becoming a partial owner of this beautiful club based on the shores of Lake Como. The dual leadership of Cesc Fàbregas and Thierry Henry guides Como 1907 to Serie A promotion while they establish a club based on local traditions.
Zlatan Ibrahimović
The Swedish former footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović acquired ownership of Swedish professional club Hammarby in 2019. The twist? During his time as a Malmö FF legend the supporters from that team maintained strong opposition to him. Statue defacement occurred despite his purchase of ownership in a sports club.
Kylian Mbappé
When he reached 25 years old Mbappé made an investment to acquire 80% ownership of SM Caen. Before reaching his prime as a player Mbappé has established future avenues in life which demonstrates that building a legacy involves increasing both outside success and personal advancement.
