L'essentiel
- Antoine Arnault and his family, via the Agache holding company and with the indirect influence of LVMH, are the majority owners of Paris FC
The Arnault family brings major financial power, ensuring long-term stability and an investment plan to strengthen the squad and modernise infrastructure.
Red Bull plays a key role on the sporting side, under the supervision of Jürgen Klopp, to optimise performance and structure a coherent project.
Governance will evolve gradually, with Pierre Ferracci set to definitively leave the club in the long term by selling his remaining shares to Agache and Red Bull, paving the way for a fully structured shareholding built around the Arnault–Red Bull duo.
Table of contents
Antoine Arnault and Red Bull take the reins of Paris FC
Antoine Arnault, currently in charge of communication, image and environmental matters at LVMH, while also presiding over and running the holding company Christian Dior SE, is now overseeing the future of Paris FC, alongside Red Bull.
It is a true earthquake in the French football landscape that was officially confirmed in autumn 2024. After exclusive negotiations, the Arnault family, via its holding company Agache, and the Red Bull giant sealed the deal. This transaction marks a historic turning point for the second Parisian club, which has been playing in Ligue 1 since 2025, with the long-term ambition of (slightly) challenging PSG’s hegemony.
The current president, Pierre Ferracci, orchestrated this sale to ensure the club’s development. The Arnault family becomes the majority shareholder with around 52% of the shares, while Red Bull takes an 11% stake. Pierre Ferracci retains around 30% of the shares until 2027. By combining the economic power of France’s wealthiest family with the global sporting expertise of the Austrian brand, Paris FC’s shareholding structure is unprecedented.
The ambition is clear: to make Paris FC a stronghold of French football. To create a strong brand that Parisians can identify with. To build sustainable infrastructure. And, why not, to win a first trophy.
The new leaders have everything to build. They are starting almost from scratch, even if Pierre Ferracci had already begun the work. Paris FC still has no honours list. The club recently played at Charléty, an unsuitable stadium — and the Orly training centre has only just been completed. Above all, the Paris FC community remains limited compared to other clubs. Everything remains to be done.
Antoine Arnault and the influence of LVMH: when luxury meets football
Although the LVMH group is not directly the buyer, the shadow of the world leader in luxury looms over the project via the Agache holding company. Antoine Arnault, son of Bernard Arnault and a member of LVMH’s board, is a passionate football fan.
The strategy is based on creating a strong brand. It is not just about winning matches, but about building an institution that has little history, if any.
The Arnault family’s involvement guarantees rock-solid financial stability. The shareholder’s financial firepower makes it possible to envisage heavy investments in the squad and infrastructure.
Red Bull: the strategic partner set to transform the Parisian club
While the Arnault family provides the capital, Red Bull arrives with proven sporting expertise. The Austrian group, owner of clubs such as Leipzig and Salzburg, is renowned for talent development. Its role at Paris FC will be consultative but decisive on the sporting level.
The key asset is Jürgen Klopp. The former Liverpool manager, now “Head of Global Soccer” at Red Bull, will oversee the strategy. His expertise, combined with the group’s data capabilities, will optimise player performance.
In line with Red Bull’s methods to maximise athletes’ potential, this quest for performance through technique is central.
Red Bull’s arrival will transform the club’s day-to-day operations:
- Global scouting: access to the database for transfer market activity.
- Academy: modernisation of structures to tap into the best talent from the Paris region.
- Synergies: player loans between clubs within the Red Bull network and Paris FC.
How much does it really cost? Breaking down the investment in Paris FC
The financial aspect of the takeover includes a massive investment plan. The club’s overall valuation at the time of the transaction is estimated at around €90 million, justified by the potential of the “Paris” brand.
Here is the estimated breakdown of shareholding and investments:
| Shareholder | Share of capital (2024) | Share of capital (2027) | Main role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arnault family (Agache) | ~52 % | ~80 % | Owner, financing, image |
| Red Bull | ~11 % | ~15 % | Sporting expertise, scouting |
| Pierre Ferracci | ~30 % | 0 % | Current President (transition) |
| Others | ~7 % | ~5 % | Minority shareholders (BRI Sports Holdings) |
The investment envelope remains unofficial but is expected to be colossal: between €100 and €200 million over several years. This amount will be used to cover the structural deficit, strengthen the squad for Ligue 1 and renovate infrastructure (particularly the training centre).
Ce lundi 8 décembre, le Paris FC a officialisé l'extension de son centre d'entraînement à Orly. En compensation, deux nouveaux parcs seront créés pour les habitants ⤵️#Ligue1 #ParisFChttps://t.co/lyMhAQXKra
— Actu Hauts-de-Seine (@actufr92) December 9, 2025
The new governance: setting course for the capital club’s ambitions
With this structure, Paris FC changes status. While Pierre Ferracci remains president during the transition, sporting management will be driven by Red Bull’s team. The primary ambition is to establish the club permanently among the elite of French football.
The challenges are numerous, particularly regarding the stadium. Charléty was outdated and poorly suited. The move to Jean-Bouin is, for now, going very well. Another key focus is, of course, the development of the women’s section and the academy.
Building without skipping steps
Antoine Arnault and Pierre Ferracci have been clear: there is no question of skipping steps, in order to avoid repeating the mistakes of Racing Matra, which was bought at the time by the very wealthy Lagardère. By trying to move too fast, the latter invested massive sums, eventually distorting the club’s identity, notably through a name change. Lagardère ultimately gave up after several seasons and left the club — a resounding failure.
The priority of Paris FC’s new leadership is therefore clear: stabilise the club in Ligue 1. This will be followed by the gradual construction of a competitive squad, a task that will not be resolved in a single transfer window. The club will also avoid entering a wage-bidding war.
Another major focus is the development of a genuine supporter community. After the era of “free tickets,” the club is now betting on the “affordable ticket,” with seats priced at €10. At the same time, significant animation work is being carried out around the new Jean-Bouin stadium. This strategy is paying off: since the start of the season, attendance has been encouraging, while supporter groups — Lutetia and Old Clan — have seen their numbers increase significantly.
Conclusion: Paris FC enters a new dimension
The acquisition of Paris FC by the Arnault–Red Bull duo is a landmark event. By combining the financial power of the Arnault family with Red Bull’s sporting intelligence, the club is equipping itself with the tools to change eras.
For Ligue 1, this means renewed appeal, notably with the Paris derby between PSG and Paris FC that has football fans salivating. For Parisians, it offers a choice between two major institutions. In the long term, Paris FC could become a declared contender at the top, ready to write its own history.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Paris FC?
Since autumn 2024, the majority owner has been the Arnault family via its holding company Agache (~52%), alongside Red Bull as a minority shareholder.
Who is the president of Paris FC?
Pierre Ferracci retains his position as president during a transition period until 2027, ensuring continuity in management.
What is Jürgen Klopp’s role at Paris FC?
As “Head of Global Soccer” for Red Bull, Jürgen Klopp will oversee sporting strategy and recruitment, bringing his global expertise.
