Red Bull has acquired a minority stake in the club Paris FC. Discussions have already taken place with Jürgen Klopp, who serves as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, to further develop Paris FC.
Antoine Arnault, a prominent figure in French business and part of the influential Arnault family, has unveiled ambitious plans for Paris FC as he prepares to become the majority owner.
According to French media, Arnault is set to acquire a 55% stake in the club, with Red Bull purchasing a 15% share. The current owner, Pierre Ferracci, will retain a 30% stake until 2027, when he plans to divest his remaining shares. These developments signal a transformative phase for Paris FC, which has long been in the shadow of its Parisian neighbor, PSG.
The timing of this announcement aligns with Paris FC’s strong performance in Ligue 2, where the club currently sits at the top of the table. As the "second club of Paris," Paris FC has historically struggled to gain significant recognition, both domestically and internationally. However, with new ownership and strategic partnerships, the club aims to establish itself as a serious contender in French football and beyond.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Arnault outlined the strategic vision for Paris FC. He emphasized that while Red Bull's involvement would bring expertise and resources, the club would remain a family-owned entity. "This club will belong to my family and not be a joint property of the Arnault family and Red Bull," Arnault clarified. "Red Bull will be a minority shareholder. They have no intention of pursuing multi-ownership access through this investment."
The partnership with Red Bull is expected to play a pivotal role in the club's development. Renowned for their success with clubs like RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg, the brand brings a wealth of experience in building competitive teams and developing players. Arnault praised Red Bull's capabilities, noting, "Red Bull is very competent in football. From the beginning, we had very good and positive discussions with them. Their innovative approach to data and scouting will be a significant asset for us."
One of the highlights of this collaboration is the involvement of Jürgen Klopp, who currently serves as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer. Arnault revealed that Klopp has already engaged in discussions about the project and has expressed great enthusiasm. "I’ve had the opportunity to speak with Klopp several times. He is very excited about the project and the prospect of working with the teams here," Arnault shared. Klopp’s role is expected to focus on providing strategic advice and facilitating the integration of Red Bull's methodologies into Paris FC's operations.
Red Bull’s revolutionary data tools, which have been instrumental in identifying and nurturing talent at their other clubs, are set to be introduced at Paris FC. These tools will enhance the club's scouting capabilities, enabling it to identify young talents and overlooked players who can contribute to its ascent. This approach aligns with Paris FC's vision of sustainable growth and player development, rather than relying solely on big-money signings.
The Arnault family’s involvement marks a significant step for Paris FC. Antoine Arnault, the son of Bernard Arnault, CEO of luxury conglomerate LVMH, brings a wealth of resources and strategic insight to the table. The family's entry into football ownership is viewed as a statement of intent, signaling their ambition to elevate Paris FC to new heights. This move also represents a broader trend of high-profile investors recognizing the untapped potential of football clubs outside the traditional powerhouses.
With these changes on the horizon, Paris FC is positioning itself as a club with serious ambitions. While PSG continues to dominate the Parisian football scene, Paris FC sees an opportunity to carve out its own identity and attract a loyal fanbase. The club's current position as Ligue 2 leaders adds momentum to this narrative, suggesting that promotion to Ligue 1 could be within reach. If achieved, this would mark a major milestone in the club’s history and serve as a platform for its broader aspirations.
The collaboration between the Arnault family and Red Bull is likely to draw significant attention in the coming years. Red Bull's track record in football includes not only building competitive teams but also fostering a culture of innovation and success. The partnership could transform Paris FC into a hub of player development and tactical excellence, further enriching the competitive landscape of French football.
Looking ahead, the club’s immediate focus remains on securing promotion to Ligue 1. However, the long-term vision extends far beyond this goal. Arnault’s plans include investments in infrastructure, youth academies, and branding initiatives aimed at establishing Paris FC as a household name in global football.
The addition of Klopp to the project adds further credibility and excitement. Known for his charismatic leadership and footballing expertise, Klopp’s involvement is expected to attract interest from players, coaches, and fans. His endorsement of the project underscores its potential and highlights the seriousness of Paris FC’s ambitions.
As Paris FC prepares for this new chapter, the football world will be watching closely. The combination of the Arnault family’s resources, Red Bull’s expertise, and Klopp’s strategic input could create a blueprint for success that other clubs may seek to emulate. For now, Paris FC stands on the brink of transformation, with the potential to redefine its role in French football and emerge as a new powerhouse in the years to come.
