Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of OGC Nice signals a more competitive Ligue 1 but they are no PSG

Jim Ratcliffe CEO of INEOS meets staff at the Grangemouth plant as the first ship carrying shale gas from the US arrives in the Firth of Forth on September 27, 2016 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The tanker is the first of eight shipping ethane from US shale fields, in a two billion dollar investment by chemical company INEOS.

(Sept. 26, 2016 - Source: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Europe)

Building for the future

Jim Ratcliffe, Britain’s richest man, has taken over ownership of Ligue 1 club Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice. Ratcliffe opted to buy Nice after previously being linked to Chelsea and Newcastle and being in talks with the English clubs. The billionaire is also the owner of the Swiss second division side, FC Lausanne-Sport. The purchase of OGC Nice seems like a natural progression from second-tier ownership to a first division team of one of Europe’s biggest leagues.

 OGC Nice will gain the much needed financial injection due to Ratcliffe’s investment. He has fully backed current manager Patrick Vieira, the former Arsenal player who took the reins of the club in 2018.  Ratcliffe seems to want to work with Vieira to get Nice, who finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season, to play European football in the next five years.  With the bigger budget, the Aiglons have brought talented young players onboard during the transfer window, namely Kasper Dolberg from (Ajax), Adam Ounas (Napoli), Alexis Claude-Maurice (Lorient) and Stanley Nsoki (PSG) to name a few. 

Ligue 1 attracting money from abroad

Ligue 1 has its fair share of billionaires buying into the franchise and it’s fast becoming a trend for European, American and Middle-East investors to inject their money into the first tier league.  A number of Ligue 1 teams have been taken over by investors from the US or the Gulf in recent years. Although it may be for-profit, more times than not, investing in a football club is a risky investment. Sports teams have a special appeal for billionaires while being able to make them money and also as a fun hobby driven by love for the game. On the business side of sports, the commercialization of media rights is highly lucrative and may drive billionaires to invest more and more into football teams.

 Ligue 1’s appeal as an investment destination is undeniable; the league has been gaining prominence globally with Neymar’s move to PSG in 2016 and the young talent it’s producing like Ivorian midfielder and former Lille player, Nicholas Pepe and Kylian Mbappe. Ratcliffe follows Nasser al-Khelaifi, Qatari businessman and owner of PSG who took over the club in 2011 for €120 million and the Russian billionaire and owner of AS Monaco, Dmitry Rybolovlev who were among the first to pick up on the opportunities in France. Joseph Da Grosa, the American billionaire who bought Girondins de Bordeaux for €75 million euros in 2018 and Olympique de Marseille belongs to another American billionaire, Frank Court who bought the team in 2016.

“In some cases, financial backing does not translate to titles and trophies, case and point Manchester United who spent heavily on buying players but still struggle to make it to the top of the league.  ”

— Margaret Mandeya, FirstTouch Africa

Nice's French midfielder Adrien Tameze (C) celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League football match between OGC Nice vs SV Zulte Waregem on November 23, 2017 at the "Allianz Riviera Stadium" in Nice, southeastern France. / AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE

(Nov. 22, 2017 - Source: AFP)

OGC Nice may not necessarily be the next PSG

There is no team, however, that has had as much financial injection as PSG which features among Europe’s elite group of the richest clubs. PSG’s financial backing outweighs most of the Ligue 1 teams causing a disparity that has some of the other owners claiming PSG as having an unfair advantage in their ability to spent big on players and attracting the top talent. Girondins de Bordeaux owner Joseph Da Grosa has called PSG the bullies of Ligue 1. PSG has a big influence in the French top division and is the most decorated club in the league and top earners to having one of the most star-studded squads in the world, featuring players such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva.

Kylian Mbappe was reported to have setback PSG a €180m to sign from to Monaco and Neymar’s move made headlines as PSG paid a staggering €222 million to Barcelona to sign the Brazilian in 2017; double the cost for Ratcliffe to buy a full stake in  OGC Nice. Neymar’s move to Ligue 1 was an obvious show of PSG’s financial might, however, the controversies surrounding a return to Barcelona and injuries have also prevented the team from profiting from his arrival.  Tuchel’s men have won six titles in the last eight years since Nasser al-Khelaifi under Qatar Sports Investments took over in 2011 and continues to dominate Ligue 1.

Fabio Cannavaro jokes with Patrick Veira during the Laureus Football Challenge presented by IWC Schaffhausen as part of the 2011 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Emirates Palace on February 7, 2011 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

(Feb. 6, 2011 - Source: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images Europe)

Up to this point, teams like OGC Nice have a hard time competing with PSG’s world-class players and overflowing financial backing. PSG will continue to have a financial advantage over fellow Ligue 1 clubs. The scenario is not unlike the financial disparity that happens across the channel in England where the top six teams have a larger endowment than the other clubs in the league or the case of Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain. In some cases, financial backing does not translate to titles and trophies, case and point Manchester United who spent heavily on buying players but still struggle to make it to the top of the league. 

Despite committing to developing Cote d’Azur side, Ratcliffe’s strategy shies away from spending on individual players like Ligue 1 counterparts PSG. OGC Nice’s season has been off to a slow start grabbing one point in five matches and lie 15th on Ligue 1 standings.

His commitment

For Jim Ratcliffe and OGC Nice, it is unlikely to be any record-breaking signings as he has already alluded. However, Ratcliffe has goals to make OGC Nice compete in Europe regularly over the next few years. Jim Ractliffe plans to finance OGC Nice in the coming years to improve position in the league, and developing facilities of the club.

Super Mario Balotelli, the 'black sheep' that everyone loves

Mario Balotelli (L) and Samuel Eto'o of Inter Milan look on during the Serie A match between Inter Milan and Bari at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 23, 2009 in Milan, Italy.

(Aug. 22, 2009 - Source: Claudio Villa/Getty Images Europe)

Most soccer players give us memories that last forever by means of divine displays on the field of play. Quite recently, the social media community gave them a name they would always be remembered with, GOATs, Greatest Of All Time. However a handful of stars to ever grace the game are remembered for something more than just what they did with the ball, they are forever “idolized” for their being. Just who are they are. My subconscious has voluntarily crafted a statue of Mario Balotelli in a section of my mind. Just the thought of him, always puts a grin on my face. Do you all remember some of the adventures that the Ghanaian-Italian has led us into? I remember a few.

Why always him?

Contrary to popular belief, Mario Balotelli Barwuah has had quite a successful career so far. Of course, he could have done more because of his rare talent if not for the “ill-discipline” and many other strange Mario things. Born to Ghanaian immigrants in Palermo, Sicily in Italy - Mario started playing soccer at a young age and had to juggle interchanging between his biological and foster parents’ home. His biological parents had not been able to fund his healthcare needs. First major successes of Super Mario’s career came when he was at Inter Milan. The Italian international won three successive Serie A titles from 2007-10, including a much coveted UEFA Champions League crown in the 2009-10 season under the “Special One”, Jose Mourinho. He was just 20 years old, had scored 20 goals in his 59 appearances at Inter, won silverware that some great players never get their hands on in a lifetime - MB45 was riding on the crest of rare wave. His move to English Premier League side, Manchester City - was the platform to eventually introduce the world to the Italian, born of Ghanaian parents.

The good, bad and ugly

Mario Balotelli of Italy controls the ball as he runs through to score his team's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2012 semi final match between Germany and Italy at the National Stadium on June 28, 2012 in Warsaw, Poland.

(June 27, 2012 - Source: Joern Pollex/Getty Images Europe)

Super Mario has endured some tough times during the course of his career. From the monkey racist chants directed at him and Ghana’s Kevin Prince Boateng while at Milan and outside the pitch drama pertaining his personal life. He has always been quite a hard boy though and would always rather respond by pulling off stunts peculiar to him. At Manchester City, we came to know him as the guy who scores and celebrate by putting up the most serious of faces, roll his shirt up to display the inside vest with an inscription, “why always me.” This was hardly a response to the persecution he got but rather an honest statement enquiring why he had to be the one always scoring goals and being so good above everyone else. Yeah, him and Zlatan Ibrahimovic seem to be from the same planet. One of many priceless Ballo moments at City was a failed attempt to score with a back heel dribble after being fed into a one on one position with the LA Galaxy goalkeeper by David Silva. The lackadaisical approach on that pre-season chance was an example of a handful of such moments in his career that warranted him to get stick from some fans and pundits. I for one and am sure, several other people adored such moments. You would never know what Mario would do next and that just made it even more exciting. He eventually scored 33 goals in 54 matches of his Man City career.

Never to be forgotten is the time Super Mario sunk German in the 2012 UEFA European Championship semi-final with a wonderful brace, introducing the celebration of taking of his shirt off and summing up a hulk like face and demeanor that has been replicated by so many since then. His agility, pace, power, flair, creativity and all the other things required for one to be an exceptional soccer player are found in Mario. That has and will always go down as the reason why he has been such a rare talent to grace the sport of soccer.

Functional and dysfunctional relationship with Roberto Mancini

The Italian national team manager has crossed paths with Balotelli more than he would have liked. Perhaps he loved it. It has never been that clear. Mancini was MB45’s mentor first at Inter Milan, Manchester City and now the Italy national team. I remember the 53-year-old immediately substituting Super Mario in the 30th minute after the failed backheel against LA Galaxy. He has always been very expressive of his relationship with Super Mario and Mario himself has seemed not to care many times more than one.That just makes the whole thing funny. He are some of the things Mancini said about Mario:

“I could write a book of 200 pages of my two years at Inter with Mario, but the book would not be a drama – it would be a comedy. I remember one time when we went to play Kazan in the [2009–10] Champions League. In that match I had all my strikers injured... I was really in trouble and Mario was the only one. Mario got a yellow card in the 42nd [20th]minute, so when I got to the dressing room at half-time I spend about 14 minutes of the 15 available speaking only to Mario. I said to him: ‘Mario, I cannot change you, I have no strikers on the bench, so don’t touch anybody and play only with the ball. If we lose the ball no reaction. If someone provokes you, no reaction, if the referee makes a mistake, no reaction.’ The 46th [60th] minute – red card!”

— Roberto Mancini narrating Balotelli's dismissal in October 2012

“I told him, if you played with me 10 years ago I would give you every day maybe one punch in your head. There are different ways to help a guy like Mario. I don’t speak with him every day, otherwise I would need a psychologist, but I speak with him because I don’t want him to lose his quality. If Mario is not one of the best players in the world it will be his fault, because he has everything. Mario can be one of the top players in Europe. I don’t want him to lose his talent.”

— Roberto Mancini in April 2012

In the mind of Super Mario

Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United and Mario Balotelli of Manchester City have words during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on December 9, 2012 in Manchester, England.

(Dec. 8, 2012 - Source: Clive Mason/Getty Images Europe)

Do you remember some of Mario Balotelli’s infamous quotes? Here are a few:

1. "No, I don't know him, but next time I play Arsenal, I will keep a close eye on him," and "Perhaps I can show him my Golden Boy trophy and remind him that I won it." - Balotelli asked about Jack Wilshere, fellow competitor for the Golden Boy award.

2. “Only Messi Is Better Than Me" - Balotelli after winning the Golden boy award.

3. “Just to see what it looks like" - Balotelli driving into a female prison

Mario Balotelli, now 28 years of age, has played for some of the biggest clubs in world soccer such as AC Milan, Inter Milan, Manchester City and Liverpool. He is currently plying his trade with French Ligue 1 side, OGC Nice under Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira. He has not lost his eye for goal, already bagged 33 in 51 appearances for the club. Who knows where he will be next? One thing is for sure, MB45 is definitely undone and just as I am, many are probably more than delighted that he is still around to rock our worlds.

By the way, are you aware that he even trolled Manchester United’s for the late goal they conceded in a 2-2 draw against Chelsea over the weekend?

Bouna Sarr refuses to represent Senegal at the FIFA World Cup 2018

Bouna Sarr is a defender who plays for Marseille in the French Ligue 1. He is a son of a Senegalese father and a Guinea mother who was born in France in 1992. The player has never represented a national team in his whole career, and is now 26 years of age. He got an opportunity of a lifetime to go and play at the FIFA World Cup this year in Russia, an opportunity that some of the greatest legends in football like Ryan Giggs never got until they retired. However, this did not prevent him for declining the chance to represent Senegal. He said, “It’s France and nothing else, nothing else is a big word, but I always dreamed of playing for the French team.”

This is not the first time that the player has declined the opportunity to play for an African team. He once also rejected to play for Guinea in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations saying that, “I’m French, I was born here I only have an attraction for the Blues.” Current Arsenal player, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang was also born in Laval, France but chose to represent the nation of his parents in Gabon. How odd is that?

Bouna Sarr is not the first player to reject the chance to represent African teams. In fact, there are so many other players in the past, some are even football legends, who chose to play for other nations like France, Italy and Portugal, even though they either were of African descent or they were born in the motherland. Let’s take a look at some of these players.

Firstly, the English Premier League was graced with a fantastic player in Patrick Vieira who played and captained Arsenal for many years. He was part of the famous ‘Invincible’ squad that went the whole season without losing a single match. He is also a World Cup winner with France having lifted the trophy in 1998. But did you know that he was born in Dakar, Senegal? Patrick began his career at Cannes in 1994 after his family moved from Dreux when he was eight years old. His surname, Vieira, is Portuguese and is the maiden name of his mother who also hails from Cape Verde. African blood in his veins and also born in Africa, but he chose to represent France because of reasons unknown. What we appreciate is his contribution to the game and creating a legacy where new players who play in a similar position are dubbed ‘the new Patrick Vieira’. Imagine what could have been had he represented the Senegalese nation?

Cristiano Ronaldo is the face of the Portuguese nation. Hold your horses there! We are not saying he is African, but…he shares the dressing room with someone from Africa. There was once a time when Manchester United produced a talent that looked like he was capable of equaling the player’s greatness. Louis Nani is the name of the player in question who was a promise but eventually failed to leave up to the hype. He, much like Ronaldo, represents the Portuguese nation and was part of the squad that lifted Portugal’s first major title in the UEFA Euro 2016. What most people might not know is the fact that the player is descendent from a small but beautiful island in Africa. Cape Verde is one of the tourist destinations in the continent with numerous beaches and has traditional morna music that Nani is familiar with because of his parents. There are some reports that he was born in Praia, Cape Verde but chose to represent Portugal and his decision is arguably justified after playing a part in the history-making Euros 2016.

Also, Super Mario is another player of African descent who chose to represent Italy instead of Ghana. Of course, we do not mean the game. Mario Balotelli, a striker that has represented clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Nice, is a son of Ghanaian parents. He was approached by the African team to represent them in 2008, but he refused because he was waiting for Italy to give him the nod. It is entirely a surprise why he is someone of questionable behaviour considering the way African parents discipline their kids. Mario is a wild card that has given headaches to his managers, Mourinho and Mancini because of his unpredictable behaviour. He is capable of skipping practice sessions without any reason, start a fight with teammates or even try some of the silliest things on the football pitch like doing a 360 turn alone when he is through on goal. The player is currently on a forced sabbatical from the national team after being exiled by the former Italy boss, Ventura who thought the player disrupted the camp.

Some so many players represented European sides. Some names worth mentioning include Zinedine Zidane (the current Real Madrid coach) of Algerian descent, Makelele born in Congo, N’golo Kante from Mali etc. Who else can you think of that we could have mentioned?