France captain Kylian Mbappe has made headlines yet again, but this time it’s not for his on-field prowess. The new Real Madrid player has taken a significant step in his career off the pitch by acquiring a majority stake in Ligue 2 club Caen. Mbappe’s company, Interconnected Ventures, announced on Wednesday that the World Cup winner has bought 80 percent of Caen’s shares through Coalition Capital, the investment arm of Interconnected Ventures, replacing the US investment fund Oaktree as the majority shareholder.
While the exact financial details of the acquisition have not been officially disclosed, French media estimates the transaction fee to be between Kshs. 2 billion and Kshs. 2.7 billion. This move is seen as a monumental step for the club, which has been striving to cement its position as one of the prominent teams in French football. In a statement, Caen emphasized that this acquisition marks a pivotal moment in the club’s strategic development, providing it with additional resources to enhance its sporting policies, modernize infrastructure, and develop innovative projects.
Mbappe’s association with Caen is not entirely new. As a young footballer, he was courted by the club when he was just 13 years old before eventually joining Monaco and then moving on to Paris Saint-Germain. This nostalgic connection has likely played a role in his decision to invest in Caen. The club’s statement highlighted this emotional link, suggesting that the time Mbappe spent at Caen in his youth left a lasting impression on him.
Mbappe’s close friend, Ziad Hammoud, will take over as chairman of the club, reinforcing the strategic direction set forth by the new ownership. Hammoud expressed their commitment to creating an environment where young talent can thrive and where the club can uphold its identity with strength and ambition. “We are determined to create an environment where young talent can flourish and where the club can defend its identity with strength and ambition,” Hammoud said in the press release.
At 25 years old, Mbappe now becomes one of the youngest owners of a professional football club, adding another impressive feat to his already illustrious career. His journey from being a sought-after young talent to becoming a majority shareholder in a professional club is nothing short of remarkable.
Caen, founded in 1913, has a storied history in French football. The club finished fifth in Ligue 1 in 1992 and reached the League Cup final in 2005. However, it has been playing in France’s second tier since 2019. The acquisition by Mbappe and his investment group is expected to breathe new life into the club and potentially pave the way for its return to the top flight.
The mayor of Caen, Aristide Olivier, expressed his pride and excitement over Mbappe’s investment. “You’d have to think that the time he spent at Caen in his youth left its mark on him! How proud we are to see a champion like @KMbappe investing in @SMCaen,” Olivier posted on social media.
This acquisition represents more than just a financial transaction; it signifies a merging of past memories with future ambitions. With Mbappe at the helm, Caen is poised for a new era of growth and success, both on and off the pitch. Football fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this strategic investment unfolds and what it will mean for the future of Stade Malherbe Caen.
