Two former F1 drivers join superstar-backed Le Mans FC project on brink of Ligue 1 promotion

Former F1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen have joined tennis superstar Novak Djokovic and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as investors in Le Mans FC, a club that has risen from sixth-tier bankruptcy to the brink of Ligue 1 promotion. The star-studded group, brought together by Brazilian firm OutField, needs just one point from Saturday's match against Bastia to secure top-flight status for the first time since 2010.

Why it matters:

This cross-sport investment highlights a growing trend of high-profile athletes diversifying into football ownership, leveraging their brand power. For Le Mans, a town synonymous with the legendary 24 Hours endurance race, the project represents a remarkable turnaround and a sustainable model centered on youth development rather than expensive signings.

The details:

• Massa and Magnussen's involvement came through Oakberry founder Georgios Frangulis, who also connected Djokovic, who is "crazy about football."
• Courtois joined in February after reaching out directly, impressed by the club's vision.
• OutField co-founder Pedro Oliveira: "We wanted to bring really high-profile people that could help us leverage the project from a branding perspective."
• Club president Thierry Gomez emphasized the investment was about growth, not survival, as the club was already financially stable.
• OutField's strategy focuses on reopening the academy (closed since 2013) in July as the cornerstone, rather than expensive signings.
• Manager Patrick Videira has guided the club to second place in Ligue 2, achieving consecutive promotions after an initial target of consolidation.

The big picture:

Le Mans FC previously nurtured talents like Didier Drogba and Gervinho. The new owners aim to replicate that by developing future stars. Gomez: "Having tomorrow's Mbappe at 14, 15 or 16 at Le Mans is possible." Long-term goals include consolidating in Ligue 1 within seven years, becoming a top-10 academy in France, and building a globally recognizable brand.