Spanish media reports indicate that the world’s richest man in 2024 is interested in acquiring a stake in Real Madrid for the first time in the club’s history.
The man in question is billionaire Bernard Arnault, owner of the renowned Louis Vuitton brand and a lifelong Real Madrid fan. He reportedly wants to acquire 10% of the club’s shares and participate in its management.
According to the report, the French businessman will partner with the American investment group Sixth Street in this deal, aiming to purchase a 10% stake in Real Madrid for €1 billion.
Vuitton already partners with Real Madrid as a kit designer for the Spanish team, and the American group is also one of the club’s partner brands.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is expected to present the proposal to the club’s general assembly at Tuesday’s meeting for a vote of approval or rejection, after which the available offers will be reviewed.
The idea of an investor acquiring a small percentage of shares for investment purposes, without full control of the club, has been successfully implemented by several German clubs. This approach maintains the club’s ownership by its fans while simultaneously generating significant revenue beneficial to all parties.
Neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona currently allows this arrangement. However, it is rumored that Pérez would be open to the idea, given its potentially substantial financial and administrative benefits, while still preserving the club’s ownership by its members.
