Former footballers expand their influence from playing fields to club ownership
A growing group of former footballers have invested in clubs across England, taking roles ranging from majority owner and chairman to minority shareholder and consortium representative. Their interests span established professional sides, lower-league teams and fan-owned organisations, according to a review reported by Planet Football.
Former footballers are increasingly moving into club ownership, with their investments spanning English football’s professional leagues, lower divisions and community-based organisations, according to a review reported by Planet Football. The former players have taken a variety of roles. Some hold controlling interests, while others are minority shareholders or public representatives of wider investment groups.
Their involvement reflects the continuing international appeal of English football and the financial opportunities associated with club ownership. Gary Neville and David Beckham are among the best-known examples. Both were part of Manchester United’s Class of ’92 group that took over Salford City with fellow former United players Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.
Salford achieved four promotions in five seasons before reaching the English Football League, although establishing itself there has been more difficult. Former Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta became a shareholder in Hashtag United in 2018. The club began as a YouTube football team before entering the English pyramid.
Azpilicueta was attracted by its stated ambition, community links and vision. Former Arsenal and Spain defender Héctor Bellerín became Forest Green Rovers’ second-largest shareholder in 2020, aligning with the club’s environmental and vegan identity. Mark Palios has the closest playing connection to his club.
After making more than 200 appearances for Tranmere Rovers, he and his wife, Nicola, took a controlling stake in 2014. He remains chairman while the club competes in League Two. Other former players have entered ownership through investment groups or local partnerships.
Luka Modrić joined a consortium that acquired a stake in Swansea City in 2025, while Wilfried Zaha invested in AFC Croydon Athletic with musician Stormzy and businessman Danny Young in 2023. Eric Cantona is a co-owner within FC United of Manchester’s member-owned structure. Andy Carroll became a shareholder in Dagenham & Redbridge while still playing for the club, and Alexandre Pato represented a consortium that took a majority stake in Northampton Town in 2025.
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