Players in European football typically continue their careers until they are in their mid- to late-30s, at which point they typically hang up their cleats. Their expertise and talents would be an asset in a variety of jobs, including those in management and administration, football analysis, and writing, to name just a few. Nonetheless, some sportsmen decide to go it alone and become club owners in major sports, putting their time, effort, and sometimes even their own money into the endeavor.

We take a look at the top five footballers who also own their own clubs in the following article.

5. Didier Drogba of the Phoenix Rising FC

In the summer of 2017, the American club Phoenix Rising FC became the new home of the formerly captain of the Ivory Coast national team. Due to the fact that they play in the second-highest division in the league, the Phoenix Rising FC are considered to be the best American football team in the state of Arizona.

Drogba came to the United States not only as a football player but also as the owner of the Arizona-based team. He played for the Arizona-based team during his time in the United States. He became the first player-owner in the history of the National Football League by purchasing a minority ownership in the franchise.

4. Paolo Maldini of Miami FC

In 2015, Paolo Maldini, a former player for Italy in the World Cup, and Ricardo Silva, an Italian businessman, founded Miami FC, which competes in the United Soccer League Championship. In 2015, Maldini put fifty percent of his salary towards the American club in order to increase its chances of promotion to Major League Soccer (MLS).

Being the owner of Miami FC and a former player for the club, Maldini is in charge of the selection of players and technical personnel, while Silva is in charge of the club's finances.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic of the Hammarby IF

In 2019, the Swedish superstar made the purchase of 23.5% of Hammarby IF. The Allsvenskan is the highest level of professional football in Sweden, and Hammarby IF is a member of the league. He plans to retire not only as one of Sweden's most successful football players, but also as one of the country's most successful football club owners after he finishes his playing career.

Ibrahimovic has put fifty percent of his fortune into the Anschutz Entertainment Group, which is the parent business of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team. The other shareholders are Hammarby IF Fotbollforening (with 51% of the shares), AEG (with 23.5% of the shares), and Others (with 2% of the shares).

2. Real Valladolid's Ronaldo Nazario.

Ronaldo Nazario, a legendary football player from Brazil, keeps a watchful eye over Real Valladolid. They spent a total of four years playing in Spain's second division before advancing to the country's highest level of competition. As a reward for his excellent playing career in Spain, the league has welcomed Ronaldo back as an owner. In 2018, Ronaldo acquired a 51% ownership stake in the Spanish team by paying 30 million euros to Carlos Suarez for that stake. Not only is he the owner of one of the most famous football teams in the world, but he is also one of the most famous players in the annals of football's long and illustrious history.

The two-time winner of the World Cup currently has control over 82% of the voting stock in the club. In addition to this, he is accountable for the direction and supervision of the Board President. The club enjoys financial stability, strong support from its faithful fan base, and a favorable venue for home games.

1. David Beckham and Inter Miami CF

Since David Beckham is now one of the most successful businessmen in the world, his move to Major League Soccer in 2007 was not like the move of a typical player to a different league. Beckham is one of the most recognizable former footballers in the world. Beckham's move to the United States provided a much-needed shot of authenticity to the league. In addition, it was instrumental in bringing Major League Soccer to the forefront of the sports scene in the United States. A buyout clause was incorporated in his agreement with the LA Galaxy, which gave him the opportunity to purchase an MLS team at a reduced price.

In 2014, when Beckham exercised his option to purchase a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, he shelled out $25 million to buy Inter Miami CF. Although it took a significant amount of time to negotiate the stadium deal, Inter Miami were finally able to make their debut in Major League Soccer in March of 2020.

Sources:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.90min.com/posts/players-who-own-football-clubs-01gdx3jpkgct/amp/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.allfootballapp.com/amp/news/EPL/6-football-clubs-owned-by-famous-footballers/834893

https://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/eight-players-who-bought-their-own-clubs-drogba-ba-hazard-maldini/

https://khelnow.com/football/top-five-footballers-turned-owners/