Bollywood stars may consider acting as their profession, but many consider football their true passion. Although they aren’t actively playing the sport, they have opted for the next best thing —owning a football team. This edition, Corporate Citizen looks at Bollywood stars who own teams in the hottest football league in India—the ISL
Abhishek Bachchan is already a proud owner of a kabaddi team from the Pro Kabaddi League. However, that has not stopped the actor from being an active part of the ISL. Abhishek is the co-owner of the team Chennaiyin FC.
Ranbir Kapoor has never hid his love for the glorious sport of football. A die-hard FC Barcelona fan, Ranbir Kapoor made a lifelong fantasy come true for himself when he snatched up bidding rights for the Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). When not cheering his team on at events, Ranbir also takes tips from the players to improve his own football skills.
Hrithik Roshan is a well-known football fan in Bollywood and the actor seems to be a big driving force for his ISL team too. Hrithik has been the co-owner of team FC Pune City, and is regularly seen cheering his team in their matches. However, it is reported that he may soon part ways with the team for unknown reasons.
Following Hrithik’s footsteps, Arjun Kapoor has become a coowner of the Pune FC team in 2017. He says that he has grown up watching and playing the sport, so he is a natural fit for the team. He has also committed to help build a football eco system in Maharashtra, where budding talent will be provided opportunities to grow.
John Abraham is obsessed about football. He is a talented athlete who has always showed affection for football in his interviews. The actor has also played the impressive game on screen in the movie ‘Goal’. It comes as no surprise therefore that he is co owner of the North East United FC. John is the embodiment of fitness, and often trains with his team to stay in shape as well as learn a thing or two from the pros.
By Neeraj Varty
