July 10 – Giorgio Chiellini has gone from hired gun to part-owner at LAFC, with the Italian legend officially joining the club’s ownership group.
This isn’t some celebrity vanity project either – Chiellini genuinely gets what LAFC is about. The 40-year-old defender, who called time on a glittering 22-year career in December 2023, has seen enough football to know quality when he finds it.
“Joining the LAFC ownership group is a great honour for me,” Chiellini said. “When I arrived here three years ago as a player, I immediately felt that there was something special about this club. It is an ambitious organisation, built by extraordinary people and supported by a community that truly makes you feel at home. That is why, last year, I expressed my desire to become an owner, and now I’m proud to continue this journey and give my support to a project I deeply believe in.”
The transition from player to owner makes perfect sense. Chiellini didn’t just turn up for a pay check during his two seasons in Los Angeles – he bought into the project completely. His 45 appearances across all competitions, including those crucial playoff runs, showed a man who understood what LAFC and Major League Soccer could become.
Lead Managing Owner Bennett Rosenthal clearly recognises what they’ve got on their hands. “We are thankful to have the opportunity for Giorgio to continue his legacy with LAFC as a member of our ownership group,” Rosenthal said. “Giorgio has always brought tremendous leadership, professionalism and character everywhere he goes, and his values perfectly align with the long-term vision we have for LAFC. We are grateful to have Giorgio as our friend and now partner.”
This is a man who spent 18 years at Juventus, collecting nine consecutive Serie A titles, five Italian Cups, and enough individual honours to fill a museum. He captained Italy to European Championship glory in 2020, earned 117 caps for the Azzurri, and was named Serie A Defender of the Year three times.
But it’s what he achieved in Los Angeles that really matters now. The 2022 Supporters’ Shield and the ultimate prize of the MLS Cup weren’t just footnotes in a legendary career – they were the foundation of something bigger.
Even after retiring, Chiellini couldn’t stay away, working as a Player Development Coach in 2024. Now he’s putting his money where his mouth is, literally investing in the club’s future.
Details of the financial commitment have not been released.
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