Juan Mata recently bought a stake in A-League club Melbourne Victory. The Spaniard is one of many former Manchester United players to transition from the pitch into football club investment and boardroom management.
There are multiple football clubs across the world benefiting from star power in their ownership group.
It’s a way for players to give something back to the game that gave them opportunities to live fantastic lives. They can use that to build a legacy in their post-playing careers.
The following is a list of ex-Manchester United players who secured ownership stakes at football clubs.
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David Beckham, Inter Miami & Salford City
One former United player investing heavily in football is David Beckham.
The former England captain has invested in MLS franchise Inter Miami as well as Salford City.
Beckham’s journey at Salford City began in 2019, but he has since formed a new majority ownership group with ex-teammate Gary Neville.
Gary Neville, Salford City
Neville has increased his involvement in Salford City since the 2014 takeover, which involved several members of the Class of 92.
Now, Neville works closely with Beckham in running the football club.
They aim, as a pair, to one day lead Salford City to the Premier League.
Ryan Giggs, Salford City
The most decorated player in English football history, Ryan Giggs, co-purchased a stake in Salford City in 2014 alongside fellow Class of 92 members.
Giggs is no longer involved in the running of Salford City.
Paul Scholes, Salford City
Much like Giggs, Paul Scholes’ involvement with Salford City has lessened.
The former United midfielder still attends Salford City matches, and he previously stepped in as interim manager.
Scholes is unlikely to ever return to the boardroom or dugout.
Gerard Piqué, FC Andorra
The Kosmos Group, owned by Gerard Piqué, bought FC Andorra in 2018.
Andorra were competing in the fifth tier of Spanish football at the time.
They’re currently playing in the Segunda Division.
The former United defender also established the Kings League, a seven-a-side football format.
Nicky Butt, Salford City
Like Neville and Giggs, Nicky Butt was an original Class of 92 investor.
Butt served as Salford’s chief executive for a period before moving on from his ownership stake.
The former United and Newcastle midfielder regularly appears on podcasts these days.
Phil Neville, Salford City
Another original Class of 92 investor who doesn’t have the same level of involvement nowadays.
Phil Neville has spent recent years coaching in the United States.
Juan Mata, San Diego FC and Melbourne Victory
It has been almost two years since Juan Mata joined the ownership group of MLS expansion side San Diego FC.
In doing so, Mata became the first active international player to hold an ownership stake in MLS.
Mata has since bought a stake in A-League outfit Melbourne Victory while he decides on his future, after spending the past season at the club.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Hammarby IF
In 2019, former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic became part-owner of Swedish outfit Hammarby.
He took a 50% stake in AEG Sweden, who own a minority stake in Hammarby.
AEG also owns LA Galaxy in the MLS.
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Casemiro, Marbella FC
In June 2024, Casemiro became a shareholder in Spanish lower-league club Marbella FC.
Casemiro joined the board of directors after falling in love with the city following several visits with his family.
The Brazilian is still expected to sign for Inter Miami following his United exit this summer.
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