In a significant move for Swiss football, Maxi Lopez, the former Argentinian striker known for his stints with top clubs like Barcelona and Milan, has officially acquired 40% of FC Paradiso through his investment group, Maxco Capital. The announcement was made on April 14, 2025, marking a new chapter for the club that competes in the Prima Lega Promotion, the third tier of Swiss football.
After months of speculation and unofficial confirmations, the deal was finalized between FC Paradiso's President Antonio Caggiano and Maxco Capital, a company based in the United Kingdom. In a statement, the club expressed enthusiasm about this strategic partnership, emphasizing that it would usher in targeted investments aimed at enhancing youth development programs, commercial initiatives, and the overall technical management of the team.
"This partnership marks the beginning of a new and ambitious chapter for FC Paradiso," the club stated in its official release. "With solid roots in the Swiss football landscape, the club is now ready to benefit from targeted investments that will strengthen its foundations and promote growth defined as 'Sogno Paradiso,' which will propel us towards new and ambitious goals." Caggiano echoed this sentiment, stating, "I am extremely happy. This is not an operation aimed at enriching myself. Rather, the club will gain important know-how immediately. Maxi and his collaborators have a clear objective: to improve the organization of the teams and, in turn, elevate them to a higher competitive level."
Lopez, who retired from professional football in 2021, has transitioned into a business career, and this acquisition signifies his commitment to remain involved in the sport. His extensive experience in football, including over 200 appearances in Serie A, and his previous success with Barcelona, where he won the Champions League in the 2005/2006 season, positions him well to bring valuable insights to FC Paradiso.
The club's roster currently features notable players, including Ezequiel Schelotto, a former Inter player and the team's captain, as well as Lorenzo Del Piero, the nephew of legendary footballer Alessandro Del Piero, and Youri Djorkaeff's son. This infusion of talent and experience within the squad is expected to complement the new management structure that Lopez and his team are aiming to implement.
In light of the acquisition, President Caggiano has outlined a three-year plan to achieve significant sporting objectives, with aspirations for promotion to the Challenge League, the second tier of Swiss football. "We intend to reach important goals on the sporting front within this timeframe," he stated, hinting at the ambitions that lie ahead for the club.
While the club finished fourth in their first season in the Promotion League, they are currently navigating the lower ranks of the standings. This investment is seen as a crucial step to reinvigorate the team's performance and establish a more robust competitive presence in Swiss football.
Lopez's approach is not just about financial investment; it also involves enhancing the club's operational capabilities. Caggiano explained that two individuals will be tasked with managing financial and commercial matters, while a dedicated group of 4-5 people will focus on marketing efforts to increase the club's visibility and marketability beyond national borders. This dual strategy aims to ensure that FC Paradiso not only competes effectively on the pitch but also thrives as a business entity.
As FC Paradiso embarks on this new journey, the balance of maintaining local roots while embracing international expertise is paramount. Caggiano emphasized the importance of keeping 60% ownership within local hands, ensuring that the club remains connected to its community and the municipality that has supported it over the years. "It is important to maintain an equilibrium and provide guarantees to the territory, especially given the close bond I have with FC Paradiso and Paradiso itself," he remarked.
Looking ahead, the relationship between FC Paradiso and local rivals FC Lugano may evolve as both clubs navigate the competitive landscape of Swiss football. Caggiano expressed curiosity about how the Lugano club would respond to the potential rise of Paradiso, hinting that proximity could lead to natural developments in their competitive relationship.
Maxi Lopez's acquisition of FC Paradiso is a testament to his commitment to revitalizing the club and enhancing its prospects in Swiss football. With a clear vision and strategic planning, both Lopez and Caggiano are poised to take the club to new heights, aiming for not just survival but success in the challenging landscape of Swiss football.
As this story develops, fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how this partnership unfolds and what it means for the future of FC Paradiso. The ambitious objectives set forth by the new management signal a transformative period for the club, one that could redefine its standing in Swiss football.
