Tennis icon Novak Djokovic has taken a surprising new step in his post-playing career by becoming a part-owner of French Ligue 2 side Le Mans FC, as announced by the club on August 1, 2025. This marks the first football-related investment for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who joins a diverse group of high-profile backers seeking to elevate the club both on and off the pitch.
Djokovic is part of a consortium led by Brazilian investment group OutField, co-founded by Pedro Olivera and supported by Georgios Frangulis, CEO of global health-food brand OakBerry. Also joining Djokovic in the venture are former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, adding a unique motorsport dimension to the football project.
In its official announcement, Le Mans FC emphasized Djokovic’s elite mental strength, discipline, and competitive mindset, noting that his presence will add immense value to the club’s growing ambition. The Serbian superstar is expected to play an active role as both an advisor and brand ambassador, helping the club build its profile and foster a high-performance culture.
The involvement of Massa and Magnussen is particularly symbolic for Le Mans, a city globally known for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most prestigious endurance races in motorsport. Their inclusion reflects a strategic effort to connect football with motorsport culture, creating a cross-disciplinary identity that could resonate with fans and sponsors alike.
This development comes as Le Mans FC returns to Ligue 2 following promotion and prepares to kick off their campaign on August 9, 2025, against Guingamp. Founded in 1985, the club has seen both highs and lows over the years, including past stints in Ligue 1. Now, with this high-profile backing, the club appears poised for a new era of ambition and visibility.
For Djokovic, the move represents more than just a financial stake—it aligns with his growing interests in wellness, sport promotion, and community development. Known for his meticulous approach to mental and physical performance, his influence could reshape the club’s internal ethos.
This cross-sport collaboration signals a bold new direction for Le Mans FC, blending elite sporting backgrounds to drive innovation, performance, and international attention. Whether on clay courts or football pitches, Novak Djokovic is once again making headlines—this time in a new arena.