Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil is collaborating with Hollywood stars Kate Upton and Eva Longoria to invest in Mexican football club Necaxa.
The trio are part of a consortium made up of several famous faces who are believed to be close to buying half of the shares in Los Rayos, as reported by Sportico.
Necaxa are based in the city of Aguascalientes, but are currently bottom of the Mexican top-flight having won just two games this season.
But despite their struggles on the pitch, fans of the three-time Mexican champions are set to receive a star-studded boost off it with the investment from Ozil’s group.
Necaxa are currently owned by businessman Ernesto Tinajero Flores, with the deal with Ozil’s group awaiting ratification by the ownership and the Mexican football federation.
Alongside Ozil, who joined Turkish side Fenerbahce in January, Desperate Housewives actress Longoria, who has Mexican roots, and supermodel Upton are several other backers.
Sportico claim the group also includes Upton’s husband and Houston Astros’ pitcher Justin Verlander, as well as real estate investor Al Tylis and DC United executive Sam Porter.
While the club insist that this is not a total ownership change, they did admit that a deal in principle has been agreed.
“We are planning to be partners with a group with an extensive experience in soccer and in management of top clubs at an international level,” a club statement read.
“This agreement will strengthen our institution and take it to the next level.
"After a year of hard work and meetings, we are very close to sealing a historic investment for our club and Mexican football.
“This will be a turning point for us.
“Club Necaxa will continue to operate under the same administration that took over in 2014 promoting the team from the second division and consolidating its position in the first division.”
