Luka Modrić (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Luka Modrić has become a minority owner of Swansea City. Here's how the deal came together, what it means for the club, and what role he'll play.
Luka Modrić, one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and a Ballon d’Or winner, has shocked the football world — not with a transfer, but by entering club ownership. The Real Madrid and Croatia legend has joined the investor group behind Swansea City, acquiring a minority stake in the Welsh Championship side.
Though still under contract at Real Madrid, Modrić’s investment signals the start of his transition into football business and strategic leadership, with a long-term view of the game beyond his playing days.
How the partnership came to be
According to BBC Sport, the initiative came from Swansea’s American ownership group, led by Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen. The club had been actively searching for a globally respected football figure to add credibility, visibility, and vision to their project. When they learned Modrić was exploring post-career investment opportunities, they approached him with a proposal.
He accepted — not only investing in the club, but also agreeing to support it strategically and symbolically, using his global reach and football insight to help accelerate Swansea’s ambition to return to the Premier League.
Why Swansea?
In his official statement, Modrić praised the club’s identity, fan culture, and ambition to climb back to the top. While he didn’t reveal deeper motives, it’s widely believed that he has a personal rapport with key members of the club’s current leadership, which has been restructured significantly since late 2024.
Modrić faced Swansea twice as a Tottenham player and has since followed the club’s rise, from winning the League Cup in 2013 to their European appearances. His respect for the club appears to have grown over time.
What will Modrić do at Swansea?
Although now part of the club’s ownership structure, Modrić will not be involved in day-to-day sporting decisions and has no plans to take a coaching or technical role. He will act in a strategic and ambassadorial capacity, offering input and guidance, and helping the club attract partners, players, and global attention.
Director of football Richard Montague remains in full control of sporting operations, but the value of Modrić’s presence extends far beyond his financial stake. With over 37 million Instagram followers, his announcement post about the deal outperformed many Premier League clubs’ entire digital footprint — proof of his commercial influence.
What it means for Swansea
While the amount invested hasn’t been disclosed, Modrić is now part of a group that controls 77.4% of Swansea City. His involvement is expected to boost the club’s international image, support its commercial growth, and enhance its appeal in the transfer market.
His entry also puts Swansea in the company of clubs partially owned by former elite players, like David Beckham (Inter Miami), Thierry Henry (Como), and Cesc Fàbregas (also Como).
The news was well received by fans. One prominent supporter, Steven Carroll, even wrote an open letter to Modrić: “Welcome to the capital of Welsh football. If you help bring in players that suit our style and take us back to the Premier League — that’ll be a job well done. And if you decide to end your career here, we won’t complain.”
Whether that last part happens remains unlikely — but with this move, Modrić has once again shown his eye for the unexpected.