DEADLINE DAY BLOCKBUSTER: DAVID BELLION JOINS BRAVES AS HEAD OF CULTURE

GLASGOW, September 1, 2025 – While many clubs spent transfer deadline day chasing late signings, Caledonian Braves FC made the standout move of the window, appointing David Bellion as the club’s new Head of Culture.

From Old Trafford to Creative Empire

Bellion’s career bridges top-level football and the creative industries. He began at AS Cannes, the academy that produced Zinedine Zidane, Patrick Vieira and Gaël Clichy, before earning a move to Manchester United at the age of 20. At Old Trafford, he played alongside Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

After further spells at West Ham United and Nice, he enjoyed seven successful years at Bordeaux, collecting every major domestic trophy in France.

His final playing chapter came at Red Star FC in Paris, where he seamlessly moved into a role as Creative Director and Brand Manager. That experience launched a second career in creativity and brand building.

Since then, Bellion has co-founded a number of ventures, including the creative agency Super Vision Office, Sport Etude magazine, the food-focused Take Away agency, and Ultra, an athlete management agency. His flagship project is Passion Fruit, a strategy and creative agency he co-founded with advertising executive Johan Delpuech. Alongside his agency work, he acts as a stylist and consultant for global brands, athletes and celebrities.

An Emotional Connection

Explaining his decision to join the Braves, Bellion said:
"I always use my emotional instinct first. I met Chris a few times and there was great energy between us. I love people who think differently, and I love the Scottish mindset – it’s full of raw energy. My wife is from the UK, and my dream coach was Sir Alex Ferguson from Glasgow."

He sees similarities between his own journey and the club’s ambitions:
"I come from humble beginnings and I love challengers. To imagine the Braves growing and inspiring more people is something that excites me."

The creative freedom on offer ultimately convinced him:
"What touched me the most was the sense of freedom in what I could bring. Freedom, while respecting the Caledonian values, means we can build something together that inspires people."

A Perfect Cultural Fit

Bellion has been elevated from his previous position on the Advisory Board to an executive leadership role. His remit includes:

• Player culture development and mentorship
• Brand strategy and positioning
• Content creation and storytelling
• Community engagement
• Partnership development

His arrival comes at a pivotal moment for the Braves, who have grown from their 2019 founding into a community-owned club with more than 8,700 owners across 64 countries. Fresh from their historic Fenix Trophy triumph in 2025, the club continues to expand both on and off the pitch.

"Thanks for having me – let’s make beautiful things together!" Bellion added, reflecting the club’s belief that football can be approached differently.

From the same academy as Zidane to the Theatre of Dreams, from title wins in France to a career in creative agencies, Bellion’s story mirrors the Braves’ own refusal to accept limitations.

David Bellion officially begins his role as Head of Culture on September 1, 2025.