France's richest family, the Arnaults, owners of luxury conglomerate LVMH, have made a bold move in the world of French soccer by announcing the planned acquisition of second-division Paris FC. The deal, which was unveiled on Thursday, signals the family’s ambitions to elevate the club into the top ranks of French football, posing a potential challenge to the dominance of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The purchase is expected to revolutionise the Paris soccer scene, with the Arnault family initially acquiring a 55% stake in Paris FC, alongside energy drink giant Red Bull, which will take a 15% share. Current owner Pierre Ferracci will retain the remaining stake and continue in his role as club president.
The Arnaults' deep pockets and luxury brand empire could bring a significant shakeup to the capital, which has long been overshadowed by PSG—a club fueled by Qatar's wealth since its 2011 acquisition. PSG has dominated Ligue 1, winning 12 titles, 10 of them after the Qatari takeover, while Paris FC has remained largely in the shadows.
Paris has lagged behind other European capitals, such as London and Madrid, which boast multiple top-flight teams. London, for instance, fields seven Premier League clubs this season, while Madrid has five La Liga clubs. Paris’ soccer underperformance is particularly striking given its status as a powerhouse in other sectors like fashion and entertainment, and its reputation for nurturing soccer talent. Legends like Kylian Mbappé, Thierry Henry, and Paul Pogba all hail from the region.
In a statement, the Arnault family’s holding company, Agache, said the goal is to firmly establish Paris FC in France’s top division and to cement both its men’s and women’s teams among the nation's elite. "We want to permanently establish the club in the hearts of Parisians," the statement added, although no financial details were disclosed, pending the completion of legal procedures.
Antoine Arnault, son of LVMH boss Bernard Arnault and family representative on the Paris FC board, spoke of their long-standing passion for soccer, saying, “We are very hopeful that, gradually, we will together write a new and exceptional chapter in French football history.”
Paris FC, founded in 1969, has yet to achieve significant success in men’s football, though its women’s team competes in the top-tier Première League. With Red Bull’s involvement as a minority partner, the company will primarily act as a sporting advisor, focusing on talent scouting and player development.
The deal comes as Paris gears up for the 2024 Olympics, further fuelling the city's sporting ambitions. With the Arnault family’s backing, Paris FC may finally emerge as a serious contender, ending the capital’s unusual status as a one-club city in European soccer.
Bernard Arnault, who ranks among the world’s wealthiest individuals with an estimated fortune exceeding $150 billion, will play a pivotal role in steering the club’s future, while Red Bull continues to expand its influence in global soccer, with former Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp set to join as head of global soccer operations in January.
As Paris FC tops the second-division standings, the Arnaults’ involvement could mark a new era, bringing fresh energy and investment to the French capital's footballing scene.