Xavier Niel to Buy Créteil Lusitanos
Xavier Niel to Acquire Créteil Lusitanos Football Club
Créteil Lusitanos, currently in National 2, is set to be acquired by French businessman and billionaire Xavier Niel. This follows the Arnault family’s recent purchase of Paris FC.
Partnership Announcement
The US Créteil-Lusitanos announced the new partnership Wednesday evening, stating it is between NJJ Holding, Xavier Niel’s holding company, and HBL HOLDING, owned by club president Tony AL Homi. The club characterized the deal as “a turning point” as they enter their third consecutive season in National 2.
According to the announcement, this “strategic operation” was made possible by Al Homi’s commitment and the support of Créteil Mayor Laurent Cathala, who views NJJ Holding as a partner to help reposition US Créteil-Lusitanos in the top tier of French football.
Niel’s Motivation
Niel explained his decision to invest in the club, citing his personal connection to the area. “I grew up here and I’m proud of it. I do not forget where I come from,” Niel said. “helping the rams to go as high as possible is my way of returning to this city a little of what it gave me.” He added, “Kaaris shed light on Sevran; I want to shed light on Créteil.”
Niel is the boss of Free, a telecommunications company.
French Football Investment
Niel’s investment highlights a growing trend of prominent French business leaders investing in French football clubs.
Published: April 30, 2025
Xavier Niel to Acquire Créteil Lusitanos Football Club: Your Questions answered
Are you curious about tech mogul Xavier Niel’s recent move into the world of French football? This Q&A-style article dives into his acquisition of the US Créteil-Lusitanos football club.
Who is Xavier Niel, and what is he doing wiht the US Créteil-Lusitanos?
Xavier Niel is a prominent French businessman and billionaire, best known as the founder of Free, a major telecommunications company. He’s set to become the new owner of the US Créteil-Lusitanos football club, currently playing in National 2, the fourth tier of French football.
What is the US Créteil-Lusitanos?
The US Créteil-Lusitanos, frequently enough referred to as “Les Béliers” (The Rams), is a French football club based in Créteil, a suburb of Paris.They compete in National 2, and their acquisition by Xavier Niel marks a notable moment for the club.
How did this partnership come about?
The partnership was announced Wednesday evening. The deal is between two entities: NJJ Holding, Xavier Niel’s holding company, and HBL HOLDING, owned by the club president Tony AL Homi. The club sees this as a “turning point”. it is the third consecutive season in National 2.
What motivated Xavier Niel to invest in US Créteil-Lusitanos?
Xavier Niel’s decision is rooted in his personal connection to Créteil. He stated, “I grew up hear and I’m proud of it.I do not forget where I come from.” His aim is to help the club reach the highest levels of French football. In his words, he wants to “shed light on Créteil.”
What does this investment mean for the US Créteil-Lusitanos?
This acquisition could be a turning point for the club, possibly leading to increased investment in player development, infrastructure, and the overall ambition to climb up the ranks of French football. The club aims to be repositioned in the top tier.
What role does the Mayor of Créteil play in this?
Laurent Cathala, the Mayor of Créteil, supports the project. He views NJJ Holding as a partner in the effort to elevate US Créteil-Lusitanos to a higher level in French football.
What is National 2?
National 2 is the fourth tier of professional football in France. below Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and National, it serves as a stepping stone for players and clubs aiming to compete at higher levels.
Is this a unique situation?
No, Niel’s investment is part of a growing trend. The article mentions that this highlights a rising trend of French business leaders investing in French football clubs. This could be due to the rising popularity of football and the financial opportunities that arise within the sport.
Who is Tony AL Homi?
Tony AL Homi is the president of the club, HBL HOLDING
Which company does Xavier Niel own?
Xavier Niel is the boss of Free, a telecommunications company.
How does this compare to other recent investments in french football?
The article notes that Niel’s investment follows the Arnault family’s purchase of Paris FC.
Key Takeaways:
Here’s a speedy summary of the key details:
New Owner: Xavier Niel,founder of Free,will acquire US Créteil-Lusitanos.
Current Status: US Créteil-lusitanos is in National 2.
Motivation: Niel’s personal connection to Créteil.
Impact: Potential for club growth.
* Context: Part of a rising trend of French business leaders investing in football.
Summary of the Deal:
| Aspect | Details |
| :————– | :———————————————————————- |
| Investor | Xavier Niel (Founder of Free) |
| Club | US Créteil-Lusitanos (“Les Béliers”) |
| League | National 2 (Fourth tier of French Football) |
| Deal Type | Acquisition / Ownership |
| Motivation | Niel’s personal connection to the area, and desire to see it succeed. |
| Other Details | This is part of a larger trend, with the support of Créteil Mayor. |