NFL legend J.J. Watt takes over iconic Spanish soccer team

J.J. Watt had a legendary career in the NFL that lasted 12 seasons, 10 of which were played with the Houston Texans. The defensive end won Defensive Player of the Year three times. And once he retired in 2022, his success continued... just in a different sport and in a different way.

From legendary player to franchise owner

As it turns out, football isn’t the only sport Watt is passionate about. He’s also keen on European soccer - the other football. That, plus an interest in learning and growing in a new field, led Watt to invest in global soccer.

Watt became a minority investor in Burnley F.C. of the English Premier League in 2023 along with his wife. On Tuesday, it was announced that Watt has taken over Spanish club RCD Espanyol, becoming a key stakeholder in the La Liga team based in Barcelona.

Espanyol was founded in 1900 and was one of the founding members of LaLiga in 1929. Despite Espanyol’s long history, however, the club has struggled in recent years and is looking to rebuild, making Watt’s entrance both a bold and strategic move. He acknowledged the announcement with the rallying cry in their native Catalan: “¡Força Mágico Espanyol!”

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