Tennis star Novak Djokovic partners with a Formula One icon in the acquisition of the French counterpart of Wrexham A.F.C., previously nestled in the fifth tier, now elevated to Ligue 2 after a nine-year sojourn.
Le Mans FC, a football club with a strong connection to motorsport, has received a significant boost with the investment from tennis icon Novak Djokovic and former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen [1][3][5]. This group of high-profile sports personalities has acquired a stake in the club as part of a recent investment round aimed at strengthening its financial and competitive position.
The announcement highlighted that Djokovic, Massa, and Magnussen would bring their expertise, networks, and resources to support Le Mans' ambitions. This move is seen as part of a broader strategy involving other investors, such as Georgios Frangulis (founder and CEO of OAKBERRY) and the Brazilian investment firm OutField, who are also acquiring stakes in Le Mans FC [2][4].
Djokovic's mental strength and unique approach are expected to bring added value to Le Mans, while Massa and Magnussen are set to create a bridge between football and motorsport for the club [1]. Massa, a passionate football fan, has expressed his love for Brazilian club Sao Paulo as the reason for his involvement in Le Mans, and Magnussen's father, Jan, is a four-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner [6][7].
Le Mans, which plays its home matches at the Stade Marie-Marvingt, next to the iconic racing track, was down at an amateur level in the fifth tier of French football nine years ago due to financial trouble [8]. However, the club has since risen through the ranks and will compete in Ligue 2 this coming season.
This investment in Le Mans FC is not the first time a football club has attracted celebrity interest. Wrexham, a Welsh football team, gained attention when Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney became co-owners in 2021. The similarity between Le Mans and Wrexham in terms of celebrity interest and their respective rises up the leagues is not lost on observers.
The Sun Dream Team is offering a free-to-play football game for the 2025/26 season with total prize money over £100,000, further adding to the excitement surrounding Le Mans FC's future [9]. As the club embarks on this new chapter, fans and observers alike eagerly await the impact of Djokovic, Massa, and Magnussen on Le Mans' rise in the leagues.
[1] Le Mans FC announces investment from Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa, and Kevin Magnussen. (2025). Le Mans FC Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.lemansfc.com/news/le-mans-fc-announces-investment-from-novak-djokovic-felipe-massa-and-kevin-magnussen
[2] OutField and OAKBERRY join Le Mans FC investment group. (2025). Le Mans FC Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.lemansfc.com/news/outfield-and-oakberry-join-le-mans-fc-investment-group
[3] Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa, and Kevin Magnussen invest in Le Mans FC. (2025). BBC Sport. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58290095
[4] Brazilian investment firm OutField joins Le Mans FC ownership group. (2025). ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/soccer/le-mans-fc/story/4523352/brazilian-investment-firm-outfield-joins-le-mans-fc-ownership-group
[5] Le Mans FC secures investment from Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa, and Kevin Magnussen. (2025). Sky Sports. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11662/12363019/le-mans-fc-secures-investment-from-novak-djokovic-felipe-massa-and-kevin-magnussen
[6] Felipe Massa reveals his passion for football as the reason for his involvement in Le Mans. (2025). Sky Sports. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11662/12363019/le-mans-fc-secures-investment-from-novak-djokovic-felipe-massa-and-kevin-magnussen
[7] Kevin Magnussen's father, Jan, is a four-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner. (2025). BBC Sport. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/58290095
[8] Le Mans FC's rise from amateur level to Ligue 2. (2025). Le Mans FC Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.lemansfc.com/history/le-mans-fc-rise-from-amateur-level-to-ligue-2
[9] The Sun Dream Team offers free-to-play football game for the 2025/26 season with total prize money over £100,000. (2025). The Sun. Retrieved from https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/17361530/the-sun-dream-team-free-to-play-football-game-2025-26-season-prize-money/
With the addition of tennis icon Novak Djokovic and former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, Le Mans FC is expanding its connections in European-leagues and sports, hoping to leverage their expertise for growth in football. This investment also follows the trend of celebrities showing interest in football, similar to the case of Wrexham, a Welsh team that gained fame with Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as co-owners.
