Mata, currently with Melbourne Victory in Australia, and Chiellini, who retired after his spell at LAFC, have invested in the Mercury13 group. The company already owns Como‘s women’s team in Italy and has now taken a majority stake in Bristol City Women. Both legendary footballers are now expected to play an active role, attending matches and offering support behind the scenes.
Their move is part of a growing trend of football stars investing in clubs, following Modric’s minority stake in Swansea, and the move made by Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney to purchase Wrexham in 2020. Mercury13 plans to inject £73 million into the women’s game, hoping to attract elite talent to their clubs. Bristol City Women now stand to benefit as they aim to compete with ambitious rivals like London City Lionesses, who recently made the climb up into the Women’s Super League.
Victoire Cogevina Reynal, co-founder of Mercury13, said: “Yes, absolutely (they will attend some matches). They’re incredible footballers, but they’re also incredible human beings who truly believe in what we’re building. They’ve been very helpful behind the scenes for Como, and I’m sure they will do the same for Bristol City.”
Mata and Chiellini’s presence at Ashton Gate will shine more light on the growth of women’s football in Britain. With significant investment promised, Bristol City Women could emerge as a serious force in the Women’s Super League 2, emulating what the London City Lionesses and Tom Brady’s Birmingham City Women achieved last season.
