Kylian Mbappe, recently signed by Real Madrid, is poised to become the new majority owner of French Ligue 2 club SM Caen. This development makes him one of the youngest football club owners in Europe. The 25-year-old forward has invested approximately €15m (£12.6m) through the Coalition Capital investment fund, securing around 80% ownership of the club’s capital.
The remaining 20% of the club will stay with Pierre Antoine Capton, president of Caen’s supervisory board. This deal replaces the previous majority shareholder, the American investment fund Oaktree, which recently took control of Inter Milan in May.
Mbappe’s connection to Caen dates back to 2012 when he nearly joined the club before choosing Monaco after Caen was relegated. Despite leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid earlier this summer, Mbappe retains a significant presence in French football with this acquisition.
Mbappe plans to appoint Ziad Hammoud, who manages his image company, as the new club president. Reports suggest that Mbappe is keen on maintaining the club’s identity and emphasizing the development of young talent.
Caen, which finished fifth in Ligue 2 last season, starts its new campaign on 17 August against Paris FC. This comes just a day before Mbappe is expected to make his LaLiga debut for Real Madrid against RCD Mallorca.
