Kylian Mbappe is expected to transform Caen into an “elite” club and foster a “winning culture” following his acquisition of the Ligue 2 team. The Real Madrid star will invest nearly €20 million (£17m/$22m) to acquire an 80 percent stake in Caen. Pierre-Antin Capton will retain the remaining shares, valued at €5 million (£4m/$5m). This financial boost is anticipated to bring much-needed stability and resources, enabling Caen to compete at higher levels.
Interestingly, this isn’t Mbappe’s first connection with Caen. According to Le Parisien, he was close to signing with the club as a young player, who had identified his great potential early on. Mbappe’s family saw Caen as a supportive environment for his growth. However, the move did not materialize when Caen was relegated from Ligue 1, which changed the course of Mbappe’s career.
Patrice Garande, the renowned coach who guided Caen from 2012 to 2018, expressed his surprise and enthusiasm about the news. He told Le Parisien: “Honestly, I’d heard rumors about this for a month, but I didn’t believe them. This is fantastic news. Not only does it bring significant financial backing, but it also boosts the club’s image. Being associated with the world’s best player is a major advantage. We know Kylian’s ambition and winning mentality. If he’s involved, it’s clearly to achieve success and build a team that can elevate the club back to the top.”
The sense of pride and optimism in Caen is palpable. Aristide Olivier, the mayor of Caen and former deputy for sports, also shared his excitement.
“It’s a tremendous source of pride for all Normans and a wonderful opportunity for our cherished club,” he said. “This recognition highlights the quality of our training, which we hold dear. Kylian Mbappe’s team reassured me when I met them earlier this week. They are not just here to make headlines but to ensure Stade Malherbe’s future at the highest level, while respecting the club’s spirit, commitment to training, and family-oriented approach. I believe this is a serious commitment, not merely a publicity stunt. Nonetheless, it represents a significant shift for the club, though we shouldn’t expect immediate results. High-level sports take time to develop.”
Although it is unlikely that Mbappe will frequently visit Normandy, he has already begun to influence the club’s future. Ziad Hammoud, a close associate of Mbappe, is poised to take on a key management role at the club. Additionally, Mbappe’s father, Wilfrid, may also serve in an advisory role.
With a loyal fan base even in Ligue 2, Caen offers a distinctive opportunity for Mbappe to make an impact in French football. There is strong hope that his involvement will signal the start of a new chapter for the club, bringing financial stability and a winning mindset.