Real Madrid and Belgium soccer star Thibaut Courtois has been named as the latest high-profile team owner in E1, the global all-electric motorboat racing series.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has become a co-owner and global brand ambassador of Sierra Racing Club through NXTPLAY Capital, the sports investment platform he co-founded with entrepreneur Gonzalo Vila.
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E1, launched by Alejandro Agag and Rodi Basso in 2024, features 10 teams, each owned by a range of sporting superstars, including Rafael Nadal (tennis), Tom Brady (American football), Virat Kohli (cricket), LeBron James (basketball), and Didier Drogba (soccer).
Other high-profile owners include DJ Steve Aoki (Aoki Racing Team), businessman Marcelo Claure (Team Brazil by Claure Group), musician and actor Marc Anthony (Team Miami powered by Magnus), and actor Will Smith (Westbrook Racing).
Kerem Ozmen, CEO of Sierra Racing Club, said: “Welcoming Thibaut to Sierra Racing Club and to E1 is an important moment for our team. He brings the mindset of an elite competitor, a truly global platform, and a clear understanding of how modern sport can grow through innovation, purpose, and ambition.
“His addition strengthens our ability to compete at the highest level while expanding the reach and relevance of our story worldwide.”
Courtois added: “Sierra Racing Club represents exactly the profile NXTPLAY looks for in a sports asset. A team with a strong identity, technical ambition, and real potential to become one of the reference names in the championship.
“Our goal is to help build Sierra into one of the most recognized and innovative teams in E1.”
The 2026 E1 season began in Saudi Arabia in late January, with the next race set to take place in Lake Como, Italy, on April 24 and 25.
Last month, E1 named Jamie Copas as its new chief executive to replace Rodi Basso, who stepped aside in late January.
Copas was formerly CEO of the Prism Sport & Entertainment agency, part of the WPP empire, and worked with brands including Aston Martin, Ford, and Mastercard. Most recently, he was the global executive lead at VML Live, part of WPP, into which Prism had been integrated.
Basso, meanwhile, is still with E1, albeit in a non-executive role.
