The realm of football club ownership has evolved substantially over time. What started as neighborhood groups, churches, and university students fielding local teams has grown into a high-stakes competition dominated by billionaires, multinational businesses, and powerful investment groups.
Despite this transformation, many ownership structures continue to exist—some clubs are strongly anchored in their communities, while others are formed by intricate webs of stakeholders and international investors.
In recent years, a new and intriguing trend has emerged: superstars from the entertainment industry entering the world of football ownership.
Many celebrities are investing in clubs across multiple levels, inspired in part by the global spotlight on Wrexham AFC, whose rebirth under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has won hearts around the world.
1. Wrexham AFC.
Ryan Reynolds (actor) and Rob McElhenney (actor)
Owners: Ryan Reynolds (actor) and Rob McElhenney (actor).
Since 2020, the Hollywood team have converted Wrexham into a global sensation, achieving promotion to League Two and enhancing the club’s value with their Disney+ docuseries. Welcome to Wrexham.
2. Inter Miami CF
David Beckham (former footballer and celebrity figure)
Owner: David Beckham (former footballer and celebrity figure).
Co-founded the team and recruited international superstars such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba to MLS.
3. AFC Bournemouth
Michael B. Jordan (Minor) Owner: Michael B. Jordan (actor).
Jordan became a minority shareholder in 2022, when the club was purchased by American billionaire Bill Foley.
4. Ashton United FC
Ricky Hatton (Boxer)
Owner: Ricky Hatton (boxer).
The former boxing world champion owns the seventh-tier team and is deeply committed to grassroots football.
5. Real Valladolid
Ronaldo Nazário (Brazilian Football Legend)
Owner: Ronaldo Nazário (a Brazilian football legend)
Spain (La Liga, Segunda División)
Purchased a majority ownership in 2018 and has managed both relegation and promotion cycles.
6) Hollywood United FC
Celebrities include Anthony LaPaglia, Jason Statham, and Vinnie Jones.
Not a professional team, but a celebrity-heavy semi-pro squad that competes in charity matches and community events.
7. Angel City FC
Serena Williams
Owners include Natalie Portman, Serena Williams, Eva Longoria, Jessica Chastain, and others.
This prominent ownership group made headlines for promoting women’s football through a Hollywood-backed brand.
8. Racing Club de Murcia
Michael Essien
Owner: Morris Pagniello (agent), with public interest from celebrities such as Michael Essien.
A club frequently associated with football celebrities seeking to establish ownership portfolios.
9. Miami FC
Investor: Pitbull (rapper/entrepreneur)
The Miami-born artist is involved in the club’s branding efforts and owns shares in the second-tier side.
10. N’Golo Kanté, Royal Excelsior Virton.
Role: Owner since June 2023.
Club: Royal Excelsior Virton, Belgian Third Division
Context: Kanté purchased the club in June 2023 for approximately €1 million while still playing in Saudi Arabia. He plans to rebuild the academy and professional staff.
A genuine effort centered on young development rather than ego or profit: a champion building a club around his own values.
11. Lionel Messi & Luis Suárez, Deportivo LSM
Messi and Suarez are co-founders/owners (2025).
Club: Deportivo LSM (previously Deportivo LS), Uruguay’s fourth division
Context: The club, created by Suárez in 2018, was relaunched in May 2025 to include Messi (“M” in LSM). The partnership now oversees the club’s youth-to-professional effort as well as its social projects.
A genuine “friends & family” effort based on community and football vision, not an Instagram vanity project.
12. Ed Sheeran.
Ed Sheeran’s club is Ipswich Town FC.
Role: 1.4% passive owner (since August 2024).
Since 2021, I have been a lifelong fan and a front-of-shirt sponsor. He purchased a 1.4% share through Gamechanger 20 Ltd, has an executive box, and created the club’s third shirt. He does not have a seat on the board. His global prominence has helped recruit players—he even joined a Zoom call during a transfer—and garnered worldwide notice to Ipswich’s Premier League comeback.
LeBron’s Football Investments
Liverpool FC (English Premier League).
LeBron and FSG formed a partnership in 2011 to buy a 2% share in Liverpool FC. This was part of a marketing and cooperation agreement with Fenway Sports Management.
In 2021, he increased his engagement by becoming an official partner in FSG, converting his Liverpool stake into a part of the larger firm, and now owns around 1% of FSG, giving him a stake in not just Liverpool but also the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Penguins, and other sporting properties.
AC Milan (Serie A, Italy).
In August 2022, LeBron joined a partnership led by RedBird Capital Partners and Yankees Global Enterprises to invest passively in AC Milan. Drake was also participating.
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