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Star athletes back French club's rapid rise
Le Mans FC, the French football club based in the town famous for its 24-hour motor race, is gaining momentum with high-profile sports figures investing in its future. The club, now on the verge of promotion to Ligue 1, has attracted backing from tennis star Novak Djokovic, former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
A long road back from bankruptcy
Le Mans FC last played in France's top flight in 2010. Financial collapse in 2013 forced the club down to the sixth tier of French football. After years of rebuilding, they returned to Ligue 2 last summer under new ownership. Brazilian investment group OutField, which took over in 2023, brought a fresh vision-and star power-to the club.
Why Le Mans? A strategic choice
OutField co-founder Pedro Oliveira told BBC Sport the goal was to attract figures who could elevate the club's profile. The connection to Massa and Magnussen was natural, given Le Mans' motorsport legacy. A shared contact, Oakberry CEO Georgios Frangulis-whose wife is tennis world number one Aryna Sabalenka-helped bring Djokovic on board. Courtois joined in February after expressing enthusiasm for the project.
"We wanted high-profile people who could help us leverage the project from a branding perspective," Oliveira said.
Pedro Oliveira, OutField co-founder
Financial stability and future plans
Le Mans president Thierry Gomez, who has led the club's recovery since 2016, emphasized the importance of investors who understand sports. The club was financially stable when OutField arrived, but Gomez saw potential for growth. "Rather than survival, it was about finding someone to take the club further," he said.
Player development is central to the project. The club's academy, closed in 2013, will reopen in July. Gomez highlighted the goal of nurturing young talent, citing the club's history of producing stars like Didier Drogba and Gervinho. "Having tomorrow's Mbappé at 14 or 15 at Le Mans is our aim," he said.
Promotion push and long-term vision
Le Mans currently sits second in Ligue 2, one win away from securing promotion to Ligue 1. Manager Patrick Videira's team has exceeded expectations after last season's promotion from the amateur National division. Oliveira outlined a seven-year plan: consolidate in Ligue 1, build one of France's top 10 academies, and establish a globally recognized brand.
Inspired by Italian club Como's branding success, Le Mans aims to grow its sponsorship appeal. However, Oliveira distanced the project from multi-club ownership models like Chelsea's BlueCo, which has faced criticism in France. "We don't want a pyramid structure," he said. "Our model is horizontal, preserving the club's identity."
Competing in a crowded region
Le Mans faces challenges in a region dominated by clubs like Rennes, Nantes, and Lorient. Attracting fans and young talent will be key. The club's unique location-its stadium sits inside the famous racetrack-offers a marketing advantage. Massa and Magnussen are expected to help craft a compelling narrative around the club's motorsport heritage.
Final match could seal promotion
Le Mans' promotion could be confirmed this Saturday (19:00 BST) with a win at Bastia. If successful, the club will celebrate back-to-back promotions and a return to France's top flight after a 16-year absence.
