Novak Djokovic has teamed up with two other sporting icons to make an investment in French football club Le Mans. The tennis legend is one of several high-profile names to get involved as new financial partners of the second-tier outfit. The athletes are linked to OutField, a Brazilian group with the experience of having direct participation in Coritiba.
Djokovic is joined by former F1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen as well as Georgios Frangulis, the boyfriend of Aryna Sabalenka. Frangulis is a Brazilian business mogul who is the founder and chief executive of nutrition brand Oakberry. All four investors will be hoping to help Le Mans achieve their goals in the coming years, both on and off the pitch.
In a statement, Le Mans said: “This partnership marks a new milestone in the history of the Sarthe club, in line with the ambitious vision led by [club president] Thierry Gomez.
“[The aim is] to continue to grow Le Mans FC sustainably in French football and make it the pride of the people of Le Mans, building on the city’s unique sporting heritage.”
Commenting on the new partnership, Frangulis said: “We want to help grow the city’s brand and sporting heritage. Le Mans has a unique name in world sport and the sense of belonging the club can offer makes this project exceptional.”
Massa added: “I think everyone knows my passion for football, which is leading me to take this step today. Le Mans FC [also] has a strong connection with motorsport.
“When my good friend and partner at Oakberry, Georgios Frangulis, presented the project to me, I wanted to be a part of it especially alongside people I deeply respect, like Djokovic, who needs no introduction, and Magnussen, with whom I shared many years in Formula One.
“It’s undeniably a great opportunity, taking advantage of the momentum of French football, the reigning Champions League champion, which is currently attracting significant investment.”
The investment marks the latest step in Le Mans’ plan to rise up the divisions and eventually reach the top tier of French football. They have achieved no less than four promotions in the last 10 years and will play their football in Ligue 2 next season.
Le Mans competed in Ligue 1 between 2004 and 2011 but were liquidated in 2013 after running into financial difficulty. They were forced to rebuild from the ground up and are now just one promotion away from returning to the top table.
The city is best known for its links with motorsport and the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans, the oldest active endurance racing event on the planet. It has taken place every year since 1923 and attracts many of the world’s top drivers and constructors.
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