Introduction to Women’s Football Investment
Wednesday 18 June 2025 4:00 pm | Updated: Wednesday 18 June 2025 2:50 pm
World Cup-winning former Spain, Manchester United and Chelsea star Juan Mata has become a key investor in women’s football investment group Mercury 13.
The female-led group, which owns FC Como Women, has previously pledged to spend $100m on buying stakes in teams in each of the major leagues in Europe.
Investment in Women’s Football
Mata, now with Western Sydney Wanderers, has invested alongside Portugal international Sergio Oliveira with “Mercury 13 on the verge of announcing the deployment of its portfolio”.
Mata, 37, said the women’s game “has enormous potential and deserves the investment, respect and visibility that has long been overdue”.
Oliveira, who won the Uefa Conference League with Roma, added: “Juan and I have worked together on purpose-driven projects before, and this move with Mercury 13 is a reflection of that shared vision.
“We firmly believe that women’s football is one of the most exciting and transformative opportunities in sport over the next few years.”
Mercury 13 Expansion
It comes amid a flurry of sports investment in European football, with a £200m valuation slapped on Chelsea Women one of the most eye-catching developments.
Reddit co-founder and husband of Serena Williams Alexis Ohanian has since bought a 10 per cent stake in the London club for £20m.
Mata and Oliveira join Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini in investing in Mercury 13, while American double World Cup champion Lauren Holiday sits on the board.
Leadership and Investment
Victoire Cogevina Reynal, co-founder of Mercury 13, said that Mata embodied “excellence, ethics, and a commitment to the future of sport”.
She added: “His involvement marks another step forward in building a community of leaders who believe in the transformative power of women’s football.”
Mercury 13 is yet to announce its next investment in women’s football but has recently hired former SailGP and FA executive Hannah Haynes as chief strategy officer and former McLaren figure Lindsey Eckhouse as chief revenue officer.
Growth and Development
The investment in women’s football is a significant step towards the growth and development of the sport. With more investors and stakeholders showing interest, the sport is expected to gain more popularity and recognition.
The involvement of high-profile players like Juan Mata and Sergio Oliveira will help to increase the visibility and credibility of women’s football, attracting more fans and investors to the sport.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the investment in women’s football by Juan Mata and Mercury 13 is a positive step towards the development of the sport. With more investments and stakeholders showing interest, the sport is expected to grow and gain more recognition. The involvement of high-profile players and leaders will help to increase the visibility and credibility of women’s football, attracting more fans and investors to the sport.
FAQs
Q: What is Mercury 13?
A: Mercury 13 is a women’s football investment group that owns FC Como Women and has pledged to spend $100m on buying stakes in teams in each of the major leagues in Europe.
Q: Who has invested in Mercury 13?
A: Juan Mata, Sergio Oliveira, and Giorgio Chiellini have invested in Mercury 13, while American double World Cup champion Lauren Holiday sits on the board.
Q: What is the goal of Mercury 13?
A: The goal of Mercury 13 is to invest in and develop women’s football, increasing its visibility and credibility, and attracting more fans and investors to the sport.
Q: How will the investment in women’s football impact the sport?
A: The investment in women’s football is expected to increase the visibility and credibility of the sport, attract more fans and investors, and contribute to its growth and development.
