15 Famous Celebrity Football Club Owners

It’s increasingly common for celebrities to own football clubs nowadays. Ranging from famous actors to international sports personalities, these stars are investing in teams spread across England, Europe, Mexico, and the U.S. Some of them acquire minority shares while others establish entirely new clubs. Regardless of their level of involvement, they all contribute capital, visibility, and valuable connections that football clubs can leverage effectively.

This collection features renowned personalities who openly and actively own a share in this entity. Here, you can learn about their entry date, entry method, the nature of their stake, as well as initiatives they’ve spearheaded – from stadium construction to promotional activities, academy investments, or community development programs.

David Beckham – Inter Miami CF

In the year 2020, David Beckham played a crucial role in establishing Inter Miami by utilizing an expansion team that activated an option he had previously secured during his time as a player in the U.S. The club initially set up shop in Fort Lauderdale with a temporary stadium while concurrently working on building a permanent venue in Miami. From day one, they also established both front office and academy structures.

In its third year, Inter Miami brought on board several top-tier players and emerged victorious in the Leagues Cup. Now, the team is working on creating Miami Freedom Park, featuring a custom-designed stadium and a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood complete with a substantial public park.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – Wrexham AFC

In 2021, the actors assumed control over Wrexham following a fan vote, and promptly began making improvements throughout the club. The investments made included new player signings for the first team, enhanced medical and statistical support, and work on the Racecourse Ground, with the long-planned Kop redevelopment now progressing.

As a passionate moviegoer, I’d rephrase it like this:

In 2023, my beloved Wrexham made a triumphant return to the English Football League, and the following season, we clinched another promotion to League One. The owners didn’t stop there; they also backed our women’s team and fostered commercial growth by partnering with global giants. This strategic move led to significant increases in matchday crowds and merchandise sales.

Michael B. Jordan – AFC Bournemouth

In December 2022, Jordan became part of the group headed by Bill Foley that purchased Bournemouth. His position in this setup is that of a minority shareholder within Black Knight Football Club, an organization that also owns shares in foreign football clubs.

After taking over, the Premier League team has been putting money into both player personnel and facility upgrades, all while engaging fans with initiatives involving Jordan in uniform and community activities. Additionally, they’ve embarked on data-focused and hiring projects throughout their various ventures.

Will Ferrell – Los Angeles FC

In 2018, prior to its inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) season, Ferrell became part of LAFC’s ownership team. The club subsequently constructed a soccer-specific stadium near downtown Los Angeles and populated a robust roster with both international superstars and domestic talent.

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) boasts several significant victories, such as the MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield, and even reached finals in continental competitions. The team’s investor roster is diverse, bringing together influential figures from the realms of entertainment, technology, sports, and local community leaders.

Matthew McConaughey – Austin FC

In 2019, McConaughey acquired co-ownership and assumed a prominent cultural position within Austin FC. This soccer team made its Major League Soccer debut in 2021, inaugurating Q2 Stadium, which boasts seating for over twenty thousand spectators. Additionally, plans for a training center and academy were also set in motion around this time.

In their second year, the club successfully qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs on the pitch, even making a significant advancement. Meanwhile, off the field, they broadened their administrative departments, established youth development programs across Central Texas, and attracted new local investors to strengthen their connections with the community.

Eva Longoria – Club Necaxa

2021 saw Longoria become part of an American organization that acquired a 50% stake in Club Necaxa. This investment infused fresh funds and enabled content-driven engagement, catering to the sizable fan base of this iconic Mexican club, which enjoys popularity not only in Mexico but also across the United States.

The team put together a list of well-known minority investors, provided funding for marketing strategies and fan interaction activities, and is further focusing on projects involving academy development and the modernization of commercial operations, as demonstrated by Necaxa’s endeavor.

Stormzy and Wilfried Zaha – AFC Croydon Athletic

2023 saw Stormzy, Zaha, and local businessman Danny Young unite to acquire AFC Croydon Athletic. This football club participates in England’s non-league division and caters to a significant portion of the south London community.

The strategy prioritizes enhancements to facilities, fostering long-term development, and providing avenues for local youngsters in sports. Under the new management, there’s been a heightened emphasis on the club, establishing links between amateur players and advanced-level talent spotting and training.

Tom Brady – Birmingham City

In August 2023, Brady took on the role of a partial owner of Birmingham City, under the management headed by Knighthead. Additionally, he holds the position of chairperson for the advisory board, overseeing responsibilities such as business planning, fostering a productive work environment, and community outreach.

As a passionate cinephile delving into the world of football, I’ve been thrilled to see the transformation our club has been undergoing. We’ve tackled changes across both the footballing pitch and business realms. Some of the projects include modernizing St Andrew’s, enhancing ticketing systems and matchday experiences, and forging stronger partnerships in North America and Europe – expanding our global cinema network!

J. J. Watt and Kealia Watt – Burnley FC

In May 2023, the Watts family acquired a partial ownership of Burnley Football Club and became public representatives for the team within the current ownership group. Since then, they’ve been actively engaging with fans and working on marketing strategies to expand the club’s reach and appeal to new spectators.

They have been actively participating in game-day appearances, feature contributions, and partnerships with the club’s charitable organizations. This investment supports Burnley’s focus on developing infrastructure, nurturing young talent, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

LeBron James – Liverpool FC

Initially, James invested a modest share of his own funds in Liverpool FC back in 2011, via a marketing collaboration. Later on, in 2021, he transformed this initial investment into a more comprehensive partnership position within Fenway Sports Group, which is the holding corporation for the football club.

His connection to Liverpool is deeply rooted within FSG’s diverse portfolio of multiple sports teams and expansive commercial network. Over time, the club has grown its international fan base, increased its retail presence, and developed various community projects, all while preserving high levels of competitiveness on the pitch.

Drew Carey – Seattle Sounders FC

* Carey became part of the Sounders’ ownership team prior to their Major League Soccer debut, playing a significant role in establishing the Sounders FC Alliance – a group of supporters who have voting rights on important issues.
* Seattle reinforced their academy and scouting infrastructure as well as securing high-profile player acquisitions.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast might say, “The Seattle Sounders have claimed multiple prestigious awards, such as the MLS Cup and the premier title for clubs across North America. This illustrious organization also pours significant resources into uplifting community initiatives, and boasts one of the most reliable attendance records in the entire league.

Giannis Antetokounmpo – Nashville SC

Giannis Antetokounmpo, along with his siblings, secured a partial ownership of Nashville SC in March 2023. This investment came after the debut of the team’s soccer-specific stadium and an extended phase of strong on-field results.

In a more conversational style, the sentence could be rephrased as follows: Nashville’s ownership team has brought on board local and famous partners, and they are broadening their offerings for youth and community initiatives. The club is also dedicating resources to analytics, scouting, and improving fan experiences at their new venue.

Kevin Durant – Philadelphia Union

In June 2020, Durant acquired a five percent share in the Union, holding the possibility for further investments. Additionally, this partnership encompasses community projects via his foundation and the organization’s charitable division.

As a movie critic, I’d say Philadelphia’s NBA team has earned a name synonymous with Academy glory and shrewd lineup construction. This strategy prioritizes nurturing homegrown talent, leveraging data-driven recruitment, and maintaining a consistent contender status.

James Harden – Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash

In 2019, Harden became part of the ownership team responsible for managing the Major League Soccer (MLS) team Houston Dynamo, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Houston Dash, and a stadium in downtown Houston. His investment coincided with an increased emphasis on improving technical aspects and facilities.

Ever since then, the sports clubs have enhanced their training facilities and broadened community initiatives for both men’s and women’s teams. In terms of business developments, they have updated their image, formed new collaborations, and made improvements to their stadiums.

Elton John – Watford FC

In the 1970s, Elton John took on the role of chairman for Watford Football Club, leading them through an impressive climb. During this time, they were promoted to the top division and reached a cup final in the 1980s. Later, he sold his majority ownership but returned as chairman again in the late 1990s for another term at the helm.

I’ve been fortunate enough to hold the title of Honorary Life President, and there’s even a stand dedicated to me at our cherished Vicarage Road stadium. The story and essence of our club are deeply ingrained with my long-term involvement, marking the commencement of an era filled with expansion, under my watch.

Request that everyone share which celebrity-owned football (soccer) club they are fans of, and mention who else among celebrities they’d like to see become an owner in the future, by leaving their thoughts in the comments section below.

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2025-08-24 15:46