Idrissa Gana Gueye and Lucas Leiva join Le Mans investment group

Le Mans have announced that Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueye and former Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva have joined the French club’s investment group.

They become the latest high-profile names involved with the club, alongside Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, Brazilian former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa and Danish Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen.

Gueye said he was proud to become part of Le Mans’ project and praised the club’s ambitions.

“I am proud to join Le Mans’ project as an investor. The club has a real identity and ambition, as well as a clear commitment to developing talent,” he said in a statement published on the club’s website.

The Senegal midfielder added: “I am looking forward to using my experience in French, English and international football to support the project and help strengthen its relationship with Senegal and West Africa.”

Gueye currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Diriyah, having joined on a free transfer during the summer after his contract with Everton expired.

The 35-year-old began his European career with Lille before also representing Aston Villa, Everton and Paris Saint-Germain.

Leiva, who won 24 caps for Brazil, retired from football in 2023. During his playing career, he featured for Gremio in Brazil, Liverpool in England and Lazio in Italy.

The former midfielder is now part of the group supporting Le Mans, who are ninth in the French league table with six points from their opening five matches.