In a move few saw coming, Luka Modrić—the legendary Real Madrid and Croatian midfielder—has become a co-owner of Championship side Swansea City AFC. At 39, Modrić is still active on the pitch, but he's now setting up his post-playing career from the boardroom.
Modrić joins a group of American investors that includes Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Jason Cohen, and Nigel Morris. The Swansea City Supporters’ Trust retains its 9% stake, keeping a community voice at the table.
“I’ve always believed in supporting football beyond just playing it,” Modrić said. “Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to grow. I want to help them reach that next level.”
Importantly, this doesn’t signal retirement. Modrić plans to continue with Real Madrid and lead Croatia through the 2026 World Cup. But his new role places him among a rising group of players investing in clubs and shaping the game beyond their playing days.
Players in the Boardroom: A Growing Trend
Modrić is part of a wave of elite footballers turning to ownership and investment:
- Kylian Mbappé has taken a stake in a French third-division club to support grassroots development.
- Vinícius Júnior is backing a youth academy in Brazil, with future ownership ambitions.
- Gerard Piqué, even before retiring, launched the Kings League and invested in FC Andorra, helping the club climb Spain’s football pyramid.
- David Beckham co-founded Inter Miami in MLS—a team now fronted by Lionel Messi.
This isn’t just about building portfolios. These players are leveraging their influence to shape the sport’s future—on their own terms.
What It Means for Swansea
Swansea, currently mid-table in the Championship and facing budget pressures, could benefit from Modrić’s global stature and deep football knowledge. His presence may attract fresh talent, innovative thinking, and new streams of investment.
The bigger question: Are we entering a new era where players influence the game off the pitch as powerfully as they do on it?
For fans, it raises another: Would you trust a current pro to co-own your club? Does star power translate to smart strategy?
Modrić’s move may have caught people off guard, but it fits a growing pattern. Footballers aren’t just icons anymore—they're increasingly becoming architects of the sport’s future.
