Novak Djokovic teams up with sporting royalty and boyfriend of Aryna Sabalenka to invest in French football club

Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic has added another financial venture to his portfolio, as the Serbian joined two F1 icons to invest in French football Club, Le Mans.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is one of several sporting icons to become financial partners of the second-tier football team. Djokovic is joined by former F1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, in addition to Georgios Frangulis, the boyfriend of WTA World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.

The investing athletes are linked to OutField, an investment group with the experience of having direct involvement in Brazilian Serie B football team, Coritiba. With Frangulis being a Brazilian business mogul, all four investors are aiming to help Le Mans grow as a team in the coming years.

"This partnership marks a new milestone in the history of the Sarthe club, in line with the ambitious vision led by [club president] Thierry Gomez," read a statement by Le Mans. "The aim is to continue to grow Le Mans FC sustainably in French football and make it the pride of the people of Le Mans, building on the city's unique sporting heritage."

The strong interest in French football prompted this investment

"We want to help grow the city’s brand and sporting heritage," said Frangulis, who is the chief executive of the nutrition brand Oakberry. "Le Mans has a unique name in world sport and the sense of belonging the club can offer makes this project exceptional."

F1 icon Felipe Massa chimed in on the new partnership, citing PSG's recent triumph at the UEFA Champions league played a role in their decision to invest in French football.

"I think everyone knows my passion for football, which is leading me to take this step today," added Massa. "Le Mans FC also has a strong connection with motorsport. When my good friend and partner at Oakberry, Georgios Frangulis, presented the project to me, I wanted to be a part of it especially alongside people I deeply respect, like Djokovic, who needs no introduction, and Magnussen, with whom I shared many years in Formula One.
"It’s undeniably a great opportunity, taking advantage of the momentum of French football, the reigning Champions League champion, which is currently attracting significant investment."