LE MANS, France — Tennis icon Novak Djokovic has joined a collective of investors in acquiring a share of the French second-tier football club Le Mans. This remarkable venture also includes former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, as announced by the club on Friday.
In their statement, Le Mans noted the exciting addition of new financial backers, which includes the Latin American sports investment group OutField and Georgios Frangulis, the founder and CEO of OakBerry, who is also in a relationship with three-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka.
“What sets this fund apart is the involvement of top-tier athletes,” remarked Le Mans president Thierry Gomez in the announcement. “Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa, and Kevin Magnussen will embark on this journey with us.”
No specific financial terms were disclosed.
Djokovic is celebrated for holding the record with 24 men’s Grand Slam titles in tennis.
At 38 years old, the Serbian maestro has amassed an impressive total of 100 career titles.
Massa, who secured 11 victories and earned 41 podium finishes during his Formula 1 career, was notably close to clinching the 2008 championship, losing out to Lewis Hamilton in a nail-biting finale. Hamilton edged the title by a narrow margin, with 98 points to Massa’s 97.
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Magnussen raced in nearly 200 F1 events, achieving one podium and one pole position. Unfortunately, he was not retained by Haas following the expiration of his contract last year.
Le Mans football club is celebrating its 40th anniversary and is set to kick off its league campaign on August 9.
Located in northwestern France, Le Mans is also famed for hosting the legendary 24-hour endurance car race.
