Pato Joins Beckham Among Former Stars Moving Into English Club Ownership

Brazilian footballer Alexandre Pato has joined the ranks of high-profile players moving into club ownership, adding his name to a trend that has drawn prominent figures toward English football off the pitch.

David Beckham, Luka Modric and Eric Cantona are among the other notable names associated with the shift from playing careers to a stake in the club game.

For players taking that route, ownership represents a different kind of involvement in football. The focus moves beyond performances and results to questions of a club’s direction and long-term future.

Pato’s move adds to the growing overlap between football’s stars and its ownership ranks, with familiar names seeking a role in the sport beyond their contributions as players.