In a shocking moment for French soccer, SM Caen has officially been relegated to the third division of French football for the first time in their history. The club, which has been around for more than 100 years, is going through a painful time. This sad news comes despite the fact that French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappé is the majority owner of the club. The team finished poorly in the Ligue 2 season and failed to gather enough points to remain in the second division. This has left fans heartbroken and the soccer community surprised.
Kylian Mbappé, known across the world as one of the best soccer players of his generation, became the majority owner of SM Caen in 2023. At the time, his decision to invest in the club was welcomed by many, especially in Normandy, where SM Caen is based. Mbappé has family ties to the region, and it was said that he wanted to give back to French soccer by supporting smaller clubs and helping them grow. His goal was to modernize the club, bring in better management, invest in young players, and improve the club’s financial stability.
When Mbappé bought the club, SM Caen was already facing financial problems. They were not performing well in Ligue 2, and there was internal confusion in the management. Some reports said that Mbappé’s takeover was not just about football—it was also about business. He wanted to show that soccer players can also be powerful investors. Many young fans were inspired by his ambition, and it seemed like a fresh chapter for SM Caen.
However, soccer is not always predictable. Despite Mbappé’s name, support, and vision, things didn’t go as planned. The club struggled during the 2023–2024 season. Injuries, poor form, and lack of chemistry between players and coaches made it difficult for the team to win matches. Changes in coaching staff and poor recruitment also made things worse. Even though Mbappé wasn’t actively playing for the club, fans hoped that his influence and resources would help change things. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen in time to save the team.
This relegation is a serious blow. Playing in the third tier means less media attention, less money, and fewer chances of attracting big players. Mbappé now has a big challenge ahead—rebuilding the club and getting it promoted again. It won’t be easy, but with his experience and global reach, many still believe he can help the team bounce back.
Mbappé is not the only famous soccer star who owns a soccer club. Other well-known stars have also invested in clubs, showing that modern footballers are thinking about life beyond the pitch. One example is N’Golo Kanté, another French international. In 2023, he became the owner of Royal Excelsior Virton, a club in the third tier of Belgian soccer. Kanté bought 100% of the club, becoming the sole owner. His goal, like Mbappé’s, is to support young talent and help grow the game at grassroots levels. Kanté is known for his humble personality, and many people believe he will bring kindness and wisdom into football management.
Another famous player who invested in a soccer club is Zlatan Ibrahimović. The Swedish star bought a 23.5% stake in Hammarby IF, a football club in his home country of Sweden. This move shocked many fans because Ibrahimović was already a symbol of another club, Malmö FF, where he started his career. His decision to buy part of Hammarby made headlines and sparked debates among football fans in Sweden. Still, Ibrahimović said that his aim was to help develop football in Sweden and bring international attention to the club.
These examples show that soccer stars are becoming more than just athletes. They are now businessmen, investors, and leaders. They want to use their money and fame to support soccer in new ways. Mbappé, Kanté, and Ibrahimović are setting new examples for future generations.
For SM Caen, this is a tough time. But with Mbappé as the majority owner, there is still hope. The road back to Ligue 2 will be long and difficult, but if the club can fix its problems and work with passion, they might return stronger than ever. Fans will now be watching closely to see how Mbappé handles this challenge not just as a player on the world stage, but as a leader behind the scenes.
