Soccer great Zlatan Ibrahimović has joined private equity fund RedBird Capital as an operating partner across its sports and media & entertainment investment portfolios. Part of his responsibility will be helping guide AC Milan as senior advisor to the ownership and management, according to a press release from RedBird Monday.
“What makes a winner of Zlatan’s caliber is not just physical talent, but also high intellect and an entrepreneurial spirit,” RedBird managing partner Gerry Cardinale said in the release. “The respect Zlatan commanded as a player, his global presence among fans of the sport, and his diverse skillset as an entrepreneur is a powerful combination for both AC Milan and RedBird.”
Ibrahimović played for the Rossoneri in two stints over his 24-year career, including closing out his playing days earlier this year at the club. In his new role at AC Milan, he will have a presence across the club’s sporting and business operations and will help reinforce the club’s winning culture, according to RedBird. Ibrahimović’s mandate includes player development and high-performance training, advancing AC Milan’s global brand and commercial interests, and supporting strategic special projects, including the club’s new stadium.
“My love for the Rossoneri will never die, and the opportunity to be a part of its future in a meaningful way is something I could only have dreamed of,” Ibrahimović, 42, said in the release. “I am grateful to Gerry for making this opportunity available to me.” The Rossoneri currently sit third in the Serie A table.
RedBird bought AC Milan club last year in a deal valuing the team at $1.3 billion. The New York Yankees bought into the club later in 2022 along with Main Street Advisors, a LeBron James-backed investment fund.
RedBird was founded in 2014 by Cardinale and now manages about $10 billion in assets, primarily in the sports world but also in energy and financial services. Other sports investments at RedBird include the Fenway Sports Group, the NFL-founded On Location Experiences and the Alpine F1 team.