Giorgio Chiellini Sets New Standard as First European Male Footballer Icon to Invest in a Women’s Multi-Club Network

London, September 25th, 2024: Mercury/13, a trailblazing entity in the world of women’s football, proudly announces a significant investment by Giorgio Chiellini, the renowned former Italian footballer. This investment marks a landmark moment in the sport, as Chiellini becomes the first prominent men’s footballer to support women’s football through a multi-club ownership group.

In February, Giorgio Chiellini, who had recently returned from his stint in the American league, playing for LAFC, met Victoire Cogevina Reynal, Co-CEO of Mercury/13, through their involvement in Common Goal.

Giorgio’s experience witnessing the rapid growth of women’s football in the U.S., particularly the impact of teams like Angel City FC, inspired his decision to invest. Mercury/13 has acknowledged the significant growth potential of women’s football in Europe and is positioning itself as a leader in this evolving landscape. Victoire Cogevina and Mario Malave, both young and forward-thinking leaders with backgrounds in technology and sports, are committed to raising the bar. Their vision is to create a unique and respected identity for women’s football, with women at its core, rather than replicating the men’s game.

Giorgio Chiellini shared: “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.”

Victoire Cogevina, Co CEO of Mercury 13, expressed her enthusiasm about this landmark investment: "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.”

About Giorgio Chiellini

Giorgio Chiellini is an Italian professional footballer known for his exceptional defensive skills and leadership on the field. Born on August 14, 1984, in Pisa, Italy, he began his career at Livorno before moving to Fiorentina and Juventus in 2005. At Juventus, Chiellini became a key figure, helping the team secure numerous Serie A titles and establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the world. He also served as captain of the Italian national team, playing a crucial role in their victory at UEFA Euro 2020.

More recently, Giorgio moved to the United States, where he played for LAFC. After retiring from professional football, he returned to Italy and took on the Head of Football Institutional Relations role at Juventus.

Renowned for his tactical intelligence, physicality, and commitment to the game, Chiellini is celebrated not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his academic pursuits. He holds a degree in Economics and Commerce and a Master’s in Business Administration. In addition to his roles in football, he is an active entrepreneur and investor, engaging in projects related to sports and startups.

About Mercury/13

Mercury/13 is a pioneering multi-club ownership group dedicated to acquiring controlling stakes in professional women's football teams across Europe. The group aims to set the standard for ownership in the industry by maximizing the commercial potential of women’s football and tapping into a vast, underserved market of female fans.

The group’s inaugural club is F.C. Como Women from Italy’s Serie A Femminile. Mercury/13’s acquisition strategy is built on the belief that women’s football offers a distinct experience, and the fanbase craves something different. Backed by a team of seasoned executives with proven success in sports, investment, and technology, Mercury/13 is uniquely positioned to lead in this space.

The founding team includes Luis Vicente, former FIFA Chief Innovation Officer; Eniola Aluko MBE, ex-Chelsea & England National Team player and former Sporting Director of Aston Villa Women and Angel City FC; Ebru Koksal, former CEO and Board Member of Galatasaray, and current Chair of Women in Football; and Michael Broughton, co-founder of Sports Innovation Partners with over 22 years of sports expertise. Also on the team is Brigit Lee, a tech executive with Sony PlayStation and a 25-year track record in forging global partnerships and building innovative business models at companies like Amazon and Best Buy.

Together, Mercury/13 is set to redefine the future of women’s football ownership and drive the sport’s global growth.

The history of the name

Mercury/13, was named after a group of female pilots who weren’t allowed to join NASA’s astronaut program because of their gender in the 1960’s.