Kylian Mbappe’s foray into football club ownership has shone an unflattering light on the perilous path of celebrity investments in the beautiful game. While the allure of a superstar’s cash might seem irresistible, Mbappe’s turbulent experience with Caen FC proves that not all that glitters is gold.
Last summer in Paris, I met Georges, a dyed-in-the-wool supporter of Caen FC, buoyantly optimistic following Mbappe’s acquisition of 80% of the club. The whispers of a renaissance, perhaps even greater than their famed 1992 UEFA Cup tie against Real Zaragoza, were in the air. French financial analysts and publications like Le Monde held high hopes that Mbappe’s substantial investment, estimated between €15-20 million including debt clearance, heralded a dawn of prosperity.
However, the reality has been starkly different. Mbappe’s anticipated magnetism failed to attract top-tier talents and lucrative sponsors. Instead, the club suffered a dismal season, culminating in relegation to the third tier for the first time in over four decades, underlining the sobering truth of their reliance on three managers throughout the campaign — including club stalwart Nicolas Seube.
Barely visible at Caen due to Mbappe’s inaugural activities at Real Madrid, stewardship of the club’s affairs fell to his mother, Fayza Lamari. Her candid admission of discomfort with the venture, including feeling unwelcome at matches, reveals how enthusiasm has turned to disillusionment. Fans are less forgiving; graffiti at the stadium now starkly declares the disenchantment: “Humbly, you do not deserve us.”
Georges, once hopeful, now shares this sentiment, lamenting the perceived absence of “Mbappe magic.” His words echo a growing concern about other celebrities dabbling in club ownership without the requisite commitment or expertise.
Beyond Mbappe, the allure of club investment has enticed other high-profile players. Luka Modric’s involvement with Swansea City and Xherdan Shaqiri’s stake in a Swiss third-tier team are part of a wider trend, with players often appointing family members or friends to key positions, harking back to cliché ‘jobs for the boys’ scenarios.
The motivations are under scrutiny, with some agents hinting at corporate tax incentives. Yet the complexity of club management demands much more than just star power or financial might, as US-based ownership models winning European trophies indicate. Running football clubs requires a deft touch, forward-looking business strategies, and a deep understanding of the sport’s financial landscape.
The lesson from Mbappe’s troubled year with Caen is stark: when superstar money comes courting, approach with caution. A club’s heart and soul cannot thrive on celebrity association alone.
Beyond football, the article further delves into compelling discussions on varied sports, from the pressing call for mandatory neck guards in ice hockey following a tragic fatality to the contentious rise of snooker’s Zhao Xintong amidst past controversial conduct.
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