Former Manchester United and England footballer Jesse Lingard has joined London-based AI SportTech MAGIC AI as an investor, brand ambassador and on-screen trainer.
The fitness technology company, which is behind the award-winning MAGIC AI Mirror, has now raised just shy of £7 million.
With a combined social media following of more than 15m, Lingard’s move into the fast-growing AI fitness sector follows a wave of elite athletes investing in technology-driven health ventures.
He joins a star-studded roster of MAGIC AI collaborators that includes Sir Alastair Cook, Strictly Come Dancing’s Katya Jones and Team GB Olympic champion Desiree Henry.
Named by TIME magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2024, the MAGIC Mirror is a holographic, AI-powered personal trainer that uses the company’s proprietary ReflectAI technology to track movement, correct form, count reps and personalise workouts across more than 240 exercises.
The device projects AI-generated holograms of celebrity trainers who coach users in real-time, from cricket training with Cook to dance sessions with Jones.
The FC Seoul regular will feature on the platform as an on-screen trainer, offering football-inspired routines and motivation to users.
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“I’ve invested in quite a few things over the past couple of years, but my latest one is MAGIC AI,” he said.
“I honestly believe that within the next five years it will be one of the most creative AI products ever made. I can see the bigger picture – the future of AI and of fitness.
“More and more people are into training now, and with the Mirror you’ve got your own workout, your own trainers, right there at home instead of always needing the gym. I think it’s the perfect plan for the future.”
The investment marks a major moment for the business, which was recently recognised by Sifted as the fastest-growing consumer company in the UK.
With the global AI fitness market projected to rise from $7.8 billion in 2022 to $35.6bn by 2030 the company is looking to position itself at the forefront of the intersection between AI, sport and wellbeing.
Varun Bhanot, co-founder and CEO of MAGIC AI, added: “We’re thrilled to have Jesse onboard not just as an investor and ambassador, but as a trainer on the platform itself.
“He embodies high performance, resilience, and creativity – values at the core of our mission.
“His energy and authenticity, especially the way he motivates people to push through even when it’s tough, will inspire thousands of users.”
With Lingard’s backing, the firm plans to expand internationally, enhance its ReflectAI technology, and launch new sport-specific and wellness content.