Kylian Mbappe, the French football sensation and new Real Madrid player, has made headlines once again, this time for his significant investment in Ligue 2 club Caen.
Mbappe’s company, Interconnected Ventures, announced on Wednesday that he has acquired an 80 percent majority share in the club through Coalition Capital, its investment arm.
This move sees the departure of US investment fund Oaktree, which previously held the majority stake. Although the official figures have not been disclosed, French media estimates the acquisition to be valued between 15 and 20 million euros ($16 to $21.6 million).
The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Caen, a club with a rich history and ambitions for growth.
According to a statement from the club, Mbappe’s investment is expected to provide Caen with critical resources to enhance its sporting strategies, modernize infrastructure, and spearhead innovative projects aimed at revitalizing the club’s fortunes.
“This transaction marks a significant step in the club’s strategic development and reinforces its natural ambition to remain one of the most successful clubs in French football,” the statement read.
The club’s leadership expressed confidence that Mbappe’s involvement will be instrumental in the club’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and elevate its status within French football.
As part of the transition, Ziad Hammoud, a close friend of Mbappe, will assume the role of chairman. Hammoud, who is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the club, emphasized the commitment to nurturing young talent and upholding the club’s identity.
“We are determined to create an environment where young talent can flourish and where the club can defend its identity with strength and ambition,” Hammoud stated.
Mbappe’s decision to invest in Caen is notably significant given his personal history with the club. As a young player, he was courted by Caen at the age of 13, before eventually moving to Monaco and then Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
This connection with Caen appears to have left a lasting impression on Mbappe, leading to his current investment.
“You’d have to think that the time he spent at Caen in his youth left its mark on him! How proud we are to see a champion like @KMbappe investing in @SMCaen,” remarked Aristide Olivier, the mayor of Caen, in a social media post.
Founded in 1913, Caen has had its share of successes, including a notable fifth-place finish in France’s top flight in 1992 and reaching the League Cup final in 2005.
However, the club has been competing in Ligue 2 since 2019. With Mbappe’s investment, there is renewed optimism about the potential for the club to return to its former glory and perhaps even secure promotion to the top tier.
Mbappe, at 25 years old, is now among the youngest owners of a professional football club, a testament to his growing influence both on and off the pitch.
His move into football club ownership highlights a broader trend of elite athletes diversifying their investments and contributing to the sport in new ways.
The football community and Caen supporters are eager to see the impact of Mbappe’s involvement. His high profile and successful career could bring increased visibility and potentially attract new talent to the club.
Moreover, the financial backing and strategic vision provided by Mbappe and Hammoud could prove crucial in revitalizing Caen’s performance and prospects in Ligue 2.
As the club prepares for this new chapter, all eyes will be on Caen to see how the infusion of resources and strategic direction will shape its future.
The arrival of Kylian Mbappe as a majority shareholder signals a bold new era for the historic club, one that promises to be filled with ambition and high expectations.
