Former Wales and Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale has announced his ambition to acquire a controlling stake in a football club. The move is part of a new sports investment vehicle established with American private equity firm Juggernaut Capital Partners.
Speaking to Reuters, Bale confirmed that he and John Shulam, Juggernaut's founder and managing partner, are actively 'looking at which (club) is the right fit for us.' The five-time Champions League winner, who retired after the 2022 World Cup, expressed his long-held desire for such an opportunity.
'It's something that I've always kind of been on the lookout (for) but never quite had the right opportunity until obviously I met John,' Bale stated. He believes his 'inside athlete perspective' combined with Shulam's financial expertise will forge 'an amazing partnership.'
Shulam clarified their investment strategy, emphasising a preference for significant influence over minor shares in larger entities. 'What we do not want to do is have a tiny piece of some giant Premier League team, that's not our strategy. We want to buy something where we can have the direct impact, where we be the controlling shareholder,' he explained.
While Cardiff City has been mentioned as a potential option, Bale noted it is 'just one of many' clubs he could pursue in the near future. Beyond football, Juggernaut's sports platform intends to diversify its investments, with plans to invest in golf, youth sports, and women's sports.
Juggernaut will soon announce its first investment in a professional women's team, according to Shulam. 'We'll invest in women's sports, very importantly, and there has not been enough attention paid to women's sport,' he said.