Mark Consuelos and his wife Kelly Ripa have taken their love of sports and passion for rooting for the underdog to the next level—by becoming co-owners of an Italian soccer team. The Hollywood power couple recently sat down with David Muir to discuss their surprising new venture, opening up about their emotional connection to the club and their hopes to breathe new life into its future.
The couple, widely known for their presence on TV and red carpets, have now stepped into the football world by acquiring a stake in Campobasso FC—a third-tier team in Italy. Mark Consuelos spoke with heartfelt enthusiasm about the decision, saying that the draw to Campobasso was about more than just the game. “It’s about history, community, and belief,” he explained during the interview. “We love rooting for the underdog, and Campobasso embodies that spirit.”
Table of Contents
Why Campobasso FC?
Campobasso FC, based in the Molise region of Italy, has had a turbulent past. The team had previously faced relegation, financial challenges, and instability, but has also inspired deep loyalty among fans and locals. When the opportunity arose, Consuelos and Ripa didn’t hesitate.
“Mark fell in love with the grit of this team,” Kelly shared. “There’s something poetic about helping rebuild something that’s always been overlooked.”
Here are a few key facts about Campobasso FC:
- Founded: 1919
- Current League: Serie D (fourth-tier of Italian football)
- Home Stadium: Stadio Nuovo Romagnoli
- Known For: Resilient fan base and passionate local support
The couple joins other celebrity investors making waves in international sports, such as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership of Wrexham AFC. However, Mark Consuelos emphasized their motivation is deeply personal. He shared that his own immigrant roots made him resonate with the working-class ethos of Campobasso.
A Passion Project with Purpose
This isn’t just a vanity project. Consuelos and Ripa are reportedly hands-on owners, already involved in strategic planning for community engagement and infrastructure development. According to team sources, the couple has contributed financially to improve player facilities and stadium conditions.
They also hinted at plans to:
- Collaborate with youth academies in Italy and the U.S.
- Use media platforms to spotlight the team internationally
- Create documentaries or behind-the-scenes footage to tell Campobasso’s story
When asked about the risk of failure, Mark Consuelos replied, “We’re not afraid. We know it won’t be easy, but that’s what makes it worthwhile.”
Public Reaction and Celebrity Influence
Fans of both Campobasso FC and the celebrity duo have shown overwhelming support online. Social media has been buzzing with hashtags like #ForzaCampobasso and #ConsuelosInItaly.
One fan on Instagram commented:
“Mark Consuelos investing in this team is the best thing that’s happened to Campobasso in years!”
Sports analysts are cautiously optimistic, suggesting that while celebrity ownership doesn’t guarantee success, the global attention could be transformative for the small club.
What’s Next?
Campobasso FC’s season kicks off next month, and fans are eager to see what changes come with their new owners. Consuelos has made it clear that their commitment is long-term.
“We’re building something here,” he told David Muir. “We want to win—but we also want to give the town and the fans something to be proud of.”
From morning talk shows to managing football teams in Italy, Mark Consuelos continues to evolve. And if his track record is anything to go by, Campobasso FC might just be the next great comeback story in European football.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses—and don’t be surprised if you start seeing a lot more Campobasso red and blue in your feed.