From pitch to boardroom: Ex-players who own football clubs
Discover former football stars like David Beckham, Gary Neville, and Wilfried Zaha who have transitioned from the pitch to the boardroom by owning football Read More: https://punchng.com/from-pitch-to-boardroom-ex-players-who-own-football-clubs/
From pitch to boardroom: Ex-players who own football clubs
Several former football stars have transitioned from the pitch to the boardroom in recent years. Gary Neville, a product of the famous Class of '92, co-owns Salford City alongside David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt. Neville has remained involved with the League Two club as it has risen through the English football pyramid.
David Beckham is perhaps better known for his ownership of Inter Miami but remains connected to Salford City through his involvement with the club since the Class of '92 takeover. Cesar Azpilicueta became a shareholder in Hashtag United in 2018, attracted by the club's ambition, community and vision. The club has since competed in the lower divisions, while Azpilicueta's former club Chelsea's women's team has established itself within the national pyramid.
Hector Bellerin, known for his environmental advocacy, became the second-largest shareholder in Forest Green Rovers in 2020. Forest Green is renowned for its sustainability and veganism initiatives, having been recognized by FIFA for its environmental credentials. Mark Palios, a former midfielder for Tranmere Rovers, became the club's owner after serving as chief executive of the Football Association. Palios and his wife Nicola currently own the League Two club.
Luka Modric, currently playing for Swansea City, became part of an investment consortium that acquired a stake in the club in 2025. The group includes high-profile investors outside football, with Modric primarily serving as an investor. Wilfried Zaha, who spent most of his career at Crystal Palace, invested in AFC Croydon Athletic in 2023 alongside musician Stormzy and businessman Danny Young. The club, based in south London, competes in the lower reaches of English football.
Eric Cantona, famously involved in Manchester United's controversial takeover, became a co-owner of FC United of Manchester, which is collectively owned by its members. Andy Carroll, while still playing for Dagenham & Redbridge, became a shareholder in the club, combining his playing career with ownership. Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato took a majority stake in Northampton Town in 2025, becoming the public face of the takeover.
These former players demonstrate the growing appeal of English football to those seeking to invest in clubs across the country's football pyramid.
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