Kylian Mbappe, the newly signed star of Real Madrid, and his family are making headlines with their plans to buy the French football club Stade Malherbe Caen, which competes in Ligue 2.
This surprising move shows that Mbappe’s connection with the club runs deep, dating back to his early days before he became a global football sensation.
In 2013, long before he became a household name, Mbappe was on the brink of joining Stade Malherbe Caen.
As a young talent, he was on trial with the club, but due to financial difficulties stemming from their relegation, Caen could not secure his signature. Instead, Mbappe signed with Monaco, where he began his rise to stardom.
Now, years later, Mbappe has the opportunity to purchase the club that once slipped through his fingers.
The buying process is in transit
The outlet mentions that this acquisition is set to be facilitated through KM7, a company run by Mbappe’s mother, Fayza Lamari.
Journalist Daniel Riolo revealed this information on the French radio station RMC’s After Foot program, saying, “They want to expand in the American style.”
This ambition aligns with Mbappe’s dream of not just succeeding on the field but also making significant strides in football management and ownership.
It must be noted that on July 16th, Mbappe is set to be officially presented at Santiago Bernabeu, marking a unique milestone in his career. Alongside this, the Mbappe family is drawing up plans to acquire the majority shares of Stade Malherbe Caen.
This move represents a full-circle moment for Mbappe, who, as a child, was on trial at Caen and now stands on the cusp of owning the club.
There is more to the story
Stade Malherbe Caen has had its ups and downs, with its relegation in 2013 being a notable low point.
The financial strain prevented them from signing Mbappe back then, a decision that might have changed the club’s fortunes.
Meanwhile, the current co-owner of Caen, Pierre-Antoine Capton, recently announced his search for new partners to purchase shares from Oaktree, an American investment fund that previously injected capital into the club.
Caen finished sixth last season, and the current owners are eager to push for a return to the top tier of French football. The potential acquisition by the Mbappe family could be the catalyst needed to propel the club back into Ligue 1.
Additionally, Ouest-France reports that if the Mbappe family takes over the majority of Caen’s shares, rapper Orelsan, a native of the city, is interested in buying back shares as well.
Orelsan has a strong connection to the club, having referenced it in his music, and his involvement could bring a fresh wave of enthusiasm and investment to the team.