Xavier Niel, the billionaire founder of the telecommunications giant Free, is set to become the majority shareholder of US Créteil-Lusitanos, a club currently competing in France's National 2. This significant move, announced on April 30, 2025, marks a new chapter for the club and the community it represents.
During a visit to Créteil, Niel expressed his pride in his roots, stating, "I grew up here and I'm proud of it... Helping the Béliers to go as high as possible is my way of giving back to this city a little of what it has given me." His commitment to the club and its future is evident, as he aims to elevate the team to new heights.
US Créteil-Lusitanos currently sits fifth in Group C of National 2, trailing 19 points behind league leaders Fleury 91. The arrival of Niel, who has a net worth estimated at nearly 15 billion euros, is expected to inject much-needed resources and ambition into the club's operations. The current president, Adrien Al-Homsi, will remain a minority shareholder and will oversee the transition as Niel's plans unfold.
Niel's project for US Créteil-Lusitanos is built around three key priorities: the creation and development of a training center, professionalizing the club, and enhancing the club's visibility to attract a larger fan base. He intends to modernize the club's image and operations, ensuring that it becomes a competitive force in French football.
In a light-hearted moment, Niel responded to a tweet from November 2024, where a fan suggested he buy the club, with a simple "D'accord," accompanied by a smiling photo of himself outside the club's headquarters. This interaction showcases his approachable personality and willingness to engage with fans.
Tony Al-Homsi, the president of US Créteil-Lusitanos, expressed optimism about Niel's involvement, stating, "I am very happy that the club can enter a new phase of its development with the arrival of a recognized investor. We are both entrepreneurs, we are both very attached to Val-de-Marne, and we both want the best for Créteil." This partnership is seen as a pivotal moment for the club, which has long been viewed as an underdog in French football.
Niel's commitment to his hometown extends beyond football. He is also involved in various initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, such as Station F, a startup campus he founded that has partnered with Paris Saint-Germain to explore the future of sports.
As US Créteil-Lusitanos prepares to embrace this new era under Niel's leadership, the local community is buzzing with excitement. With a billionaire investor at the helm, the club hopes to attract more fans and create a vibrant atmosphere at its home games.
This move comes on the heels of the Arnault family's acquisition of Paris FC, another club in the region, highlighting a trend of wealthy investors taking an interest in local football clubs. Niel's entry into the scene is expected to bring significant changes, as he aims to professionalize the club and enhance its competitive edge.
The Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion, the financial watchdog for French football, still needs to approve the agreement, but the anticipation is palpable. Niel's vision for US Créteil-Lusitanos could redefine the club's future and its place in French football.
As the club looks to climb the ranks in National 2, fans are hopeful that Niel's investment will lead to greater success on the pitch. The community of Créteil is rallying behind this new venture, eager to see how Niel's leadership will transform the Béliers into a club that can compete at higher levels.
In conclusion, Xavier Niel's acquisition of US Créteil-Lusitanos represents a significant shift in the club's trajectory. With ambitious plans and a strong commitment to his hometown, Niel is poised to make a lasting impact on the club and the community it serves. As the club gears up for this new chapter, all eyes will be on Créteil to see how far the Béliers can go with their new majority shareholder leading the charge.
