Real Madrid and Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has joined the growing list of sports stars investing in electric powerboat racing, becoming co-owner of Sierra Racing Club in the E1 Series.
The 33-year-old has taken his stake through NXTPLAY Capital, the sports investment platform he co-founded with entrepreneur Gonzalo Vila, and will also serve as a global brand ambassador for the team.
E1, launched in 2024 by Alejandro Agag and Rodi Basso, features 10 teams backed by high-profile names across global sport. Team owners include Rafael Nadal, Tom Brady, Virat Kohli, LeBron James and Didier Drogba.
Other notable investors in the series include Steve Aoki, Marcelo Claure, Marc Anthony and Will Smith.
Kerem Ozmen, CEO of Sierra Racing Club, said Courtois’ arrival strengthens the team’s competitive ambitions and global visibility, highlighting his elite sporting mindset and influence.
Courtois said Sierra Racing Club aligns with NXTPLAY’s strategy of investing in sports properties with strong identity, technical ambition and long-term growth potential, adding that the goal is to build one of the most innovative teams in the championship.
The 2026 E1 season began in Saudi Arabia in January, with the next race scheduled at Lake Como on April 24-25.
Meanwhile, E1 recently appointed Jamie Copas as chief executive, replacing Rodi Basso, who has moved into a non-executive role.