After securing the services of coach Jurgen Klopp, Red Bull Group has proceeded to acquire shares in Paris FC, with the ambition of turning the club into a competitor for PSG.
Paris FC, currently leading the French second division this season with 18 points after 8 rounds, is on the verge of a major transformation. The club has just been handed over to two financial giants: the Arnault family and Red Bull Group.
Paris FC’s owner, businessman Pierre Ferracci, has agreed to sell 55% of the club’s shares to Agace, a company owned by the Arnault family, and 15% to Red Bull. The remaining 30% of Ferracci’s shares will be sold to Arnault in 2027. This historic collaboration between the Arnault family and Red Bull is part of an ambitious project to turn Paris FC into a top-tier club.
The Arnault family is the world’s largest luxury empire, owning iconic brands such as Louis Vuitton and Hennessy. Bernard Arnault, currently the richest person in the world with a net worth of $233 billion, according to Forbes, will take charge of the financial side of Paris FC, bringing his vast business expertise to the table.
Meanwhile, Red Bull will focus on the sports side of the French second-division team. Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO, stated, “We want to provide our experience and know-how to open new sports horizons for Paris FC. The Paris and Ile de France region is home to many outstanding football talents who must first be trained and developed within a local club.”
Recently, Red Bull appointed Jurgen Klopp as their global football director. The former Liverpool coach is responsible for strategizing the football development across Red Bull’s network of clubs. With Paris FC joining this network, the French team will also become part of Klopp’s broader plans.
Paris FC was founded in 1969, a year before PSG was established. However, the club has long remained in the shadow of its wealthier neighbor. After years of playing in lower leagues, Paris FC earned promotion to Ligue 2 in the 2017/18 season.
In 2012, Paris FC was transferred to Pierre Ferracci. By 2020, the French businessman had secured a major sponsorship deal with the Kingdom of Bahrain, allowing Paris FC to sign top players such as former Lyon player Timothee Kolodziejczak and former Marseille player Maxime Lopez.
Now, a new chapter has begun for Paris FC. With the backing of the Arnault family and Red Bull, coach Stephane Gilli’s team is aiming to become a serious competitor for PSG. Their immediate goal is to win Ligue 2 this season and secure promotion to Ligue 1 next year.