Thibaut Courtois Joins Le Mans FC as Shareholder to Propel Club Forward

omidbasir- Reported by RMC Sport

In a recent official announcement, Le Mans FC has revealed that Thibaut Courtois has joined the club as a shareholder. The renowned goalkeeper, a two-time UEFA Champions League winner and La Liga titleholder, aims to leverage his extensive experience to assist the Ligue 2 team in achieving promotion and solidifying its status as a prominent club in France.

The 33-year-old has entered into this partnership through his investment company, NxtPlay Capital. This strategic move follows the recent takeover by the Brazilian group Outfield, which has assumed the majority shareholding of Le Mans. Courtois joins other notable minority shareholders, including Djokovic, Massa, and Magnussen, with the distinction of being the first from the football domain.

In a statement, Le Mans FC expressed enthusiasm about Courtois’ involvement, stating: “A two-time UEFA Champions League winner and iconic goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois brings top-level expertise, both on and off the pitch.”

The club further elaborated on the takeover by Outfield, noting that it represents a significant step forward in the club’s development alongside a prominent group of international athletes and investors. The aim of this enhanced commitment is to expedite the structural growth of Le Mans FC. Collaborating with Thierry Gomez, the club’s president, Outfield is expected to provide the necessary resources to facilitate the project’s advancement.

One of the project’s foundational elements is the ongoing construction of a training center specifically designed to nurture local talent. The medium-term goal is for Le Mans FC to become a national leader in youth development, establishing a sustainable pipeline of talent for the first team.

In addition, the club conveyed its long-term vision under President Thierry Gomez, who has been at the helm for nearly a decade, focusing on building a robust and resilient organization. Over the past nine years, significant efforts have been made to enhance the club’s structure, promote youth training, expand the women’s division, and foster a strong community among all stakeholders, including players, staff, volunteers, and supporters.

Le Mans FC aspires to create an ambitious and sustainable football club that honors the region’s iconic motorsport legacy while cultivating a globally recognized brand identity. Their priorities include improving competitive performance and enhancing the club’s visibility, both locally and internationally, to fully realize the sporting and commercial potential of Le Mans FC.

The club has garnered attention, often referred to as the ‘French Wrexham’ due to its high-profile roster of celebrity owners. Courtois follows in the footsteps of his Real Madrid teammates Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., who have also invested in clubs recently. Mbappe invested approximately £12.6 million ($16.9 million) in the French third-tier club SM Caen in July 2024, while Vinicius holds a majority share in Portuguese club FC Alverca, which earned promotion to the Primeira Liga last season.

Courtois’ joining Le Mans underscores the club’s aspirations to gain recognition across Europe and globally, bolstered by the investment and support from elite athletes like himself and Djokovic.

Currently, Le Mans FC occupies the fifth position in Ligue 2, trailing the leaders, Troyes, by only three points after 23 matches. Having secured promotion from Championnat National, the third tier of French football, in the 2024/25 season, the club has not played in Ligue 1 since the 2009/10 season and has only spent five seasons in the top flight throughout its history. With Courtois’ investment and the backing of high-profile stakeholders, the club is optimistic about altering its trajectory in the near future.