Tennis star Naomi Osaka has become the part-owner of US women’s soccer team North Carolina Courage.
The Japanese, who’s due back on the court in an exhibition event in Adelaide on Friday, has taken a stake in the Cary-based team which was formed four years ago and won the National Women’s Soccer League title in 2018 and 2019.
Alongside a picture of her in a football shirt, three-time grand slam champion Osaka wrote on Instagram: “Currently reflecting on how the women who have invested in me growing up made me who I am today, I actually don’t know where I would be without them.
“I feel that throughout my career I’ve always received so much love from my fellow female athletes so that’s why I am proud to share that I am now a owner of @thenccourage.
“I will keep continuing to pay the love I have received forward and I’m excited to continue the legacy of women empowerment.”
Osaka, the Australian Open singles champion two years ago, has long been a great admirer of USA international star Megan Rapinoe.
“From taking a knee in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick to speaking out about LGBTQ rights, she has become a figurehead for sport and activism in the 21st century,” said Osaka in the British Daily Telegraph newspaper.
“Megan and her team have really elevated their sport. When I was young, tennis was really the only option for girls to pursue a professional sports career.
“I am so glad that is finally changing. It is cool to see because football is a great sport for girls. I have a big football project coming, and it is something I am really passionate about.”