The Two European Soccer Teams J.J. Watt Owns: Latest 2025 Season Status Revealed

Contents

The transition from NFL defensive powerhouse to European soccer mogul is now complete for J.J. Watt. As of today, December 25, 2025, the former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals star is a key investor in not one, but two major European football clubs, making his portfolio one of the most intriguing in transatlantic sports ownership. This deep dive reveals the latest updates on both clubs, their current 2025–2026 season status, and the unique strategy Watt and his wife, professional soccer player Kealia Ohai Watt, are employing to make a genuine impact on the beautiful game.

J.J. Watt's involvement goes far beyond a simple financial investment; he has become a passionate, vocal, and visible supporter of both teams, frequently engaging with fans and traveling across the Atlantic. His dual investment strategy in both English and Spanish football demonstrates a clear belief in the global growth and emotional power of the sport, cementing his post-NFL career as a serious sports executive.

J.J. Watt: A Complete Biography and Profile

Justin James Watt, universally known as J.J. Watt, is one of the most decorated defensive players in modern NFL history. His career was defined by relentless effort, record-breaking performance, and profound community impact.

  • Full Name: Justin James Watt
  • Born: March 22, 1989, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin
  • Height & Weight: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), 288 lb (130 kg)
  • College: University of Wisconsin–Madison (previously Central Michigan)
  • NFL Career: Houston Texans (2011–2020), Arizona Cardinals (2021–2022)
  • NFL Retirement: Announced his retirement in December 2022, playing his final game in January 2023.
  • Major Awards: 3x NFL Defensive Player of the Year (a record shared with Lawrence Taylor), 5x Pro Bowl, 5x First-team All-Pro, Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2017).
  • Family: Married to Kealia Ohai Watt, a professional soccer player and former U.S. Women’s National Team member.
  • Post-NFL Role: Minority investor in Burnley F.C. (England) and part of the ownership group for RCD Espanyol (Spain).

Burnley F.C.: The Premier League Rollercoaster and Watt’s English Adventure

Watt’s initial foray into European soccer ownership began in May 2023 when he and Kealia Ohai Watt acquired a minority stake in Burnley Football Club (Burnley FC). The investment was announced shortly after the Clarets secured promotion back to the Premier League, England's top flight, under manager Vincent Kompany.

The Clarets' Current 2025–2026 Premier League Status

The latest news for the 2025–2026 season shows the true volatility of the Premier League. As of December 2025, Burnley is entrenched in a difficult relegation battle. Despite the club’s best efforts to remain competitive, they are currently sitting near the bottom of the table.

J.J. Watt has often spoken about the intense "adrenaline void" left by his retirement, and his involvement with Burnley has clearly filled that void. He has been transparent about the emotional stress of watching the team, sharing his passion and anxiety with fans on social media, which has endeared him to the traditionally skeptical English football community. Watt’s authentic enthusiasm is a key part of his investment strategy, focusing on fan engagement and community building around the historic club.

Kealia Watt’s Crucial Role in the Investment

The investment in Burnley is a joint venture, and Kealia Ohai Watt's expertise is paramount. As a former professional soccer player in the NWSL and a USWNT international, her understanding of the sport, player development, and club culture provides a vital, authentic perspective that goes beyond celebrity endorsement. Their combined experience in elite professional sports is leveraged to enhance the club's infrastructure and global brand.

RCD Espanyol: The Spanish Expansion and La Liga Ambitions

Not content with a single club, J.J. Watt expanded his global football portfolio in 2025 by joining the ownership group taking over the Spanish club RCD Espanyol (Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol de Barcelona). This move into La Liga, one of the world's premier soccer competitions, was officially confirmed in October 2025.

Espanyol’s Major 2025–2026 Season Turnaround

The Spanish club, based in Barcelona, has experienced a rapid ascent in the 2025–2026 season. After a brief spell in the Segunda División (La Liga 2), the team secured promotion back to the top flight, La Liga. The most recent updates from December 2025 show Espanyol performing exceptionally well, even entering the conversation for a potential European spot, such as the UEFA Champions League or Europa League, a remarkable turnaround.

Watt's investment in Espanyol, a historic club with a passionate fanbase, highlights his commitment to high-level European football. His dual ownership of clubs in both the Premier League and La Liga is a rare and ambitious strategy, positioning him as a major figure in the new wave of American sports investors in European soccer. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the massive global reach of both major leagues.

The Future of J.J. Watt’s Soccer Empire

J.J. Watt’s involvement in both Burnley FC and RCD Espanyol is not a passive one. He has consistently emphasized his desire to be a meaningful part of the clubs, focusing on connecting the teams with their communities and fans. For Burnley, the focus remains on securing their Premier League status and building a sustainable future at Turf Moor.

For RCD Espanyol, the immediate goal is to establish them firmly back in the upper echelons of La Liga and challenge for European qualification. Watt’s celebrity status and business acumen, combined with Kealia’s deep soccer knowledge, offer a powerful, two-pronged approach to sports ownership that is unique in the modern game. This new chapter for the NFL legend is proving to be as intense and compelling as his Hall of Fame playing career.

jj watt soccer team
jj watt soccer team

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