Roger Hampel
Photo Credt: Mercury/13
Mercury/13, a pioneering entity in the world of women’s football, has made a landmark announcement that marks a pivotal moment in the sport’s history. Giorgio Chiellini, the renowned former Italian footballer and Juventus captain, has officially become the first prominent European male footballer to invest in a women’s multi-club ownership group. This unprecedented move signifies a new chapter for both Giorgio Chiellini and the future of women’s football, as it represents a growing recognition of the sport's vast potential.
A Groundbreaking Investment in Women’s Football
Giorgio Chiellini’s decision to invest in Mercury/13 stems from his keen interest in the rapid growth of women’s football, particularly in the United States. After his stint with LAFC in Major League Soccer, Giorgio Chiellini witnessed firsthand the remarkable rise of teams like Angel City FC and the enthusiastic support they received. Inspired by this, he sought a way to contribute to the development of the sport on a global scale, with a special focus on Europe.
By joining Mercury/13, Giorgio Chiellini is stepping into a leadership role in reshaping women’s football in Europe. His investment is not just financial—it symbolizes a commitment to advancing opportunities for female athletes and expanding the sport’s reach globally. Mercury/13, led by visionary leaders Victoire Cogevina Reynal and Mario Malavé, is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning interest in women’s football, particularly in underserved markets.
Giorgio Chiellini’s Vision for the Future of Women’s Football
Giorgio Chiellini’s experience in worldwide football landscapes has given him a unique perspective on the untapped potential of women’s football. He commented on his decision:
"I’m really excited to share that I’ve joined Mercury/13 as an investor. It’s a fund focused on supporting and growing women’s football globally. After spending time in the U.S., I saw the incredible strides women’s football is making there and how much potential it still has to unlock in Europe. That experience inspired me, and I’m proud to be part of a project that’s all about creating new opportunities for female athletes and taking the sport to the next level internationally."
His support aligns with Mercury/13’s mission to revolutionize women’s football by creating a unique identity for the sport, rather than merely replicating the men’s game. Chiellini’s backing also highlights a significant endorsement from the traditional strongholds of men’s football, signaling a new era of collaboration between male icons and the women’s game.
Victoire Cogevina Reynal on Giorgio Chiellini’s Role
Victoire Cogevina Reynal, Co-CEO of Mercury/13, expressed her enthusiasm for Chiellini’s involvement, noting that his participation validates the group’s mission and underscores the growing commercial and cultural importance of women’s football:
"We are thrilled to have Giorgio Chiellini join us as an investor, further validating our mission and the business potential of women’s football in Europe. His commitment reflects the increasing recognition and support for women’s football at the highest levels. Mercury/13’s strategy of acquiring teams across European leagues will amplify our impact, and Giorgio’s involvement is a powerful endorsement of our vision and strategy."
Mercury/13: Redefining Women’s Football
Mercury/13 is a multi-club ownership group that focuses exclusively on women’s football teams across Europe. Their strategy centers on acquiring controlling stakes in professional clubs with the goal of unlocking the sport’s full potential. They aim to cultivate a distinct experience for fans, underpinned by the belief that women’s football deserves a platform as unique and engaging as the men’s game, yet rooted in its own identity.
The group’s first acquisition, F.C. Como Women, competes in Italy’s Serie A Femminile, and serves as the foundation for what Mercury/13 plans to build—a pan-European network of women’s football clubs that are sustainable, commercially successful, and deeply connected to their communities.
The founding team is comprised of notable figures such as Luis Vicente, former FIFA Chief Innovation Officer; Eniola Aluko MBE, a former Chelsea and England National Team player who also served as Sporting Director for Aston Villa Women and Angel City FC; Ebru Koksal, former CEO and Board Member of Galatasaray, now the Chair of Women in Football; and Michael Broughton, co-founder of Sports Innovation Partners, with over two decades of experience in sports. Additionally, Brigit Lee, a seasoned tech executive from Sony PlayStation, brings 25 years of expertise in forming global partnerships and developing innovative business strategies at companies like Amazon and Best Buy.
Giorgio Chiellini’s Legacy On and Off the Field Giorgio Chiellini Mercury/13
Giorgio Chiellini’s career has been marked by excellence. A former captain of Juventus and the Italian national team, Chiellini helped secure numerous titles, including the prestigious UEFA Euro 2020 championship. Known for his tactical brilliance, resilience, and leadership, Giorgio earned his place as one of the finest defenders in football history.
Off the field, Giorgio Chiellini has carved out an impressive path in the business world. With a degree in Economics and Commerce and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Turin, he has evolved into a strategic entrepreneur and investor. His finance and investment background covers a broad range of interests, from sports technology to sustainability, reflecting his keen business acumen and vision beyond football.
Photo Credit: Juventus
More recently, Giorgio moved to the United States, where he played for LAFC. After retiring from professional football, he worked as a Player Development Coach for LAFC, then returned to Italy and, in September 2024, took on the role of Head of Football Institutional Relations at Juventus.
A New Era for Women’s Football in Europe
With Chiellini’s backing, Mercury/13 is poised to lead a new era of growth for women’s football in Europe. Their vision is to elevate the sport by offering a more professional, competitive, and commercially viable product, tapping into the passionate, and often underserved, female fanbase.
As women’s football continues to grow globally, the involvement of high-profile investors like Giorgio Chiellini reflects a changing tide. What was once a niche market is now viewed as an arena with immense commercial and social potential, and Mercury/13 is at the forefront of this transformation.
Conclusion
Giorgio Chiellini’s investment in Mercury/13 not only makes history but also signals a bold new future for women’s football. His involvement showcases the increasing support for the sport at the highest levels and serves as a powerful testament to the bright future of women’s football in Europe and beyond. With Mercury/13’s innovative approach and Chiellini’s influence, the stage is set for women’s football to reach unprecedented heights.
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THE AUTHOR
Giorgio Chiellini and Roger Hampel - the founder of Football Business Journal, during World Football Summit 2024 in Seville.
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