5 football clubs that are owned by footballers

Have you ever wondered what footballers do when their playing days are over? A fair question to be curious about, isn’t it? But we also know a couple of answers here.

Retired footballers usually pursue managerial jobs or positions in the board of a football club. Some others go for ambassadorial roles while some prefer punditry.

It’s not only about what they want to do, though. Following the retirement, they also have to manage the amount of wealth they amass in their careers, lest they end up going bankrupt due to financial mismanagement.

Investing in a football club is always a great option for ex-footballers. Let’s have a look at five such clubs who are owned by well-known players.

5. Salford City

Based in Salford, Greater Manchester, Salford City is a club owned by the very famous Manchester United’s Class of 92. Giggs, the Neville brothers and Scholes completed the takeover of the club in 2014.

They also sold 50% of the stake to Singapore-based billionaire Peter Lim, who also owns LaLiga side Valencia. The remaining 50% was split equally between the five players.

Salford City are currently in the Fifth Division, having gained two promotions since the takeover. Ryan Giggs earlier stated that he wanted to see the club qualifying for the Championship in the next few years.4. Miami FC

Paolo Maldini is currently acting as the sporting director at AC Milan and is also the co-owner of American second division side Miami FC. He owns 50% stake in the club, while the remaining is owned by businessman Ricardo Silva, who also happens to be the president of the club.

With Alessandro Nesta as their manager, Miami played its first season in 2016. They also won the spring and fall NASL season in 2017. However, following the cancellation of the NASL season, the club created the second wing of itself, naming it Miami FC 2. Miami FC 2 ply their trade in the National Premier Soccer League.3. San Diego 1904

San Diego is yet another football club owned by players, in this case, players who are still active. It was founded by Eden Hazard, Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and Moussa Sow.

San Diego 1904 initially planned to become a part of the NASL season. But due to it’s cancellation, the club attempted to strike a deal with United Soccer League. They failed to reach a deal with the league and are now a part of the Third Division of the National Independent Soccer Association.

The club will play its home games temporarily in University of San Diego’s Torero Stadium but the plan is to build a new stadium in Oceanside, approximately 40 miles north of downtown San Diego.2. Real Valladolid

Real Valladolid qualified for LaLiga after four years in season 2017/18. In September 2018, the club announced that Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario had bought a majority of 51% stake in Real Valladolid.

Ronaldo himself has a good experience of playing in the Spanish top tier, having plied his trade for Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Real Valladolid are currently sitting in the 13th place in LaLiga with 4 points from 3 games.

Ronaldo also owned a minority stake in American outfit Lauderdale Strikers prior to his stint with Real Valladolid. However, the club was dissolved in 2016.1. Inter Miami FC

David Beckham moved to LA Galaxy in 2007, a transfer which marked a landmark in the history of the MLS. As a part of the deal, the Englishman had the opportunity to own an expansion team for a discounted amount.

Beckham exercised that option in 2014, buying Inter Miami for $25m. The club has been postponed to start playing in 2020 after initially it was planned to do so in 2017. Beckham’s business partner Simon Fuller and five other businessmen also have stakes in the club.

Inter Miami are currently finalising a location for a new stadium.