David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic And More: Players Who Own Football Clubs

Football players are no longer just focused on what happens on the pitch. In recent years, many players have started investing in the game itself, buying stakes or even full ownership of clubs. It’s a shift that shows how modern footballers are thinking beyond their playing careers and stepping into the business side of the sport.

Which football players own their own clubs

David Beckham – Inter Miami CF

David Beckham is one of the most well-known examples. After his playing career, he exercised an option to buy an MLS franchise at a reduced fee, which eventually became Inter Miami. The club has since grown massively, especially with high-profile signings and global attention.

David Beckham was on hand for the ribbon-cutting of his brand-new Inter Miami stadium, the 26,700-capacity Nu Stadium ⚡🏟️ pic.twitter.com/NnGWSsqGvN

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) April 4, 2026

Gerard Piqué – FC Andorra

Piqué took a different route by acquiring FC Andorra through his company. Under his ownership, the club climbed up the Spanish football pyramid, showing a clear focus on long-term development.

Zlatan Ibrahimović – Hammarby IF

Ibrahimović bought a stake in Hammarby, one of Sweden’s top clubs. The move made headlines, especially because of his past connection with rivals Malmö, but it highlighted his interest in shaping football beyond his playing days.

Didier Drogba – Phoenix Rising FC

Drogba didn’t just invest in Phoenix Rising, he also played for the club while being a co-owner. That rare combination made him one of the first players to actively manage both roles at the same time.

Ronaldo Nazário – Real Valladolid

The Brazilian legend became the majority owner of Real Valladolid, taking on a hands-on role in running the club. His involvement has included both sporting and financial decisions, showing a deeper level of commitment.

These examples show how football is evolving. Players are no longer just part of clubs, they are becoming decision-makers. As more stars move into ownership roles, this trend is only likely to grow, changing the way the game is run in the future. That said, these are some of the players who own their own football clubs around the world.