Giorgio Chiellini has signalled his intentions to help grow women’s football with his latest business move.

The Italy and Juventus legend has revealed that he has become an investor in Mercury/13, a multi-club ownership group focusing specifically on women’s football teams.

Chiellini experienced huge success throughout his career, winning Euro 2020 with ItalyGETTY

Chiellini took to social media to announce his partnership with the consortium, which has pledged to invest more than £80million into transforming women’s clubs around the world, with the Women’s Super League a priority.

Sharing the news on Instagram, he wrote: “I’m really excited to share that I’ve joined Mercury/13 as an investor.

“It’s a multi-club ownership group focused on supporting and growing women’s football globally.”

Chiellini retired from football in 2023 with MLS side Los Angeles FC, and revealed that his time in the US, whose women’s national team are the most successful in World Cup history, fuelled his desire to invest in female football in Europe.

He added: “After spending time in the U.S., I saw the incredible strides women’s football is making there and how much potential it still has to unlock in Europe.

“That experience inspired me, and I’m proud to be part of a project that’s all about creating new opportunities for female athletes and taking the sport to the next level internationally.”

The legendary former defender’s involvement in the start-up has been welcomed by co-CEO and sports entrepreneur Mario Malave.

Speaking to City A.M, he said: “He’s trailblazing here, and he’s coming out and actually putting his money where his mouth is.

“And he is not just doing it to feel good or have a nice story about him. He generally believes this is going to be a fantastic investment for him.

“It is exciting on multiple levels. Men’s football is obviously one of the most competitive and mature industries when it comes to sports. 

Chiellini joins former Lionesses and Chelsea star Eni Aluko in investing in Mercury/13Getty

GettyHe has thrown himself into work since retiring from football aged 39 in 2023[/caption]

Chiellini and Mercury/13 have set their sights on acquiring a WSL clubGetty

“Women’s football is a total startup but it’s growing really fast and has a lot of potential.”

Chiellini lifted nine Serie A titles during an illustrious 18-year career with Juventus, as well as captaining his national team to Euro 2020 glory with victory over England in the final.

Since hanging up his boots however, he has turned his attention to the business side of the game, having returned to The Old Lady in September to become their Head of Football Institutional Relations.

Now, his latest move sees him become the first high-profile figure from men’s football to lend his support to Mercury/13, which was founded in 2023 by businesswoman Victoire Cogevina Reynal and Malave.

Former Lionesses forward Eni Aluko is currently on the board of Serie A Femminile side FC Como Women, the only team in the female game to have been acquired by the group so far.

The Italian side were bought by the consortium in March, who have declared their intent to invest in Europe’s top five leagues within two years.

Prior to this, Mercury/13 had been in discussions to buy Lewes FC, who were then playing in the Women’s Championship, but a deal couldn’t be reached.

This setback has not deterred Cogevina Reynal however, who remains determined to expand their ownership.

Speaking to BBC Sport, she said: “For us, it’s been no secret that the top five leagues in Europe are our priority, and that’s where we are heading

“We are big fans of the WSL. We consider it has the potential to become the best women’s football league in the world.”