The financial landscape of football has been transformed by the influx of wealthy club owners, whose investments have propelled teams to new heights. This is the new era of football where money has the most saying “unless it is a Bundesliga club”.
We know how money has changed the recent landscape of the market, from player acquisition to building world-class stadiums, major football clubs worldwide have someone who looks into the expenses, from bills to revenue that makes a modern club sustainable.
Some of these wealthy people have made the club into something and some have not made any significant impact on the club.
Here’s a look at the top 10 richest football club owners -
1. Sheikh Mansour - Manchester City
Net Worth: $30 billion
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, an Abu Dhabi royal family member, acquired Manchester City in 2008. His wealth stems from oil, investments, and his role in the UAE government.
Under his ownership, City has won multiple Premier League titles and domestic trophies, becoming a dominant force in English football Manchester City has been a dominant force to reckon with even on European nights as they have won the 2023 edition of the Champions League, and achieved the feat like treble who by then was only achieved by Manchester United.
2. Dietrich Mateschitz - RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg
Net Worth: $26 billion
The Austrian billionaire co-founded Red Bull, the global energy drink brand, and expanded his portfolio into sports. Mateschitz’s investments in RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg have transformed both clubs into competitive teams in their respective leagues, emphasizing youth development and dynamic football.
Even though this Austrian Billionaire has helped Leipzig climb to the top, many German football fans are not keen on the style RB Leipzig is run hence there is wide dissatisfaction regarding this club in Germany, Nevertheless this club was once home to players like Erling Haaland himself in Salzburg.
3. Andrea Agnelli & Family - Juventus
Net Worth: $15 billion
The Agnelli family, through their holding company Exor, has long been associated with Juventus. Andrea Agnelli, the current chairman, continues the family's legacy. The Agnellis' wealth primarily comes from their ownership of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and other significant business interests.
In the 2018-19 season, Agnelli played an important role in bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to the club after he left Real Madrid, not only that but Agnelli saw the rise of Juventus as a dominant club winning continuous Seria A from 2011 to 2020 winning nine consecutive Scudetto. Also reached the Champions League Final twice.
It was not all bright and yellow as Juventus was also caught in a great scandal in 2006 which saw them get stripped of their titles and had been relegated
4. Stan Kroenke - Arsenal
Net Worth: $12.9 billion
Stan Kroenke, an American billionaire, owns multiple sports franchises, including Arsenal, the LA Rams (NFL), and the Denver Nuggets (NBA). His wealth originates from real estate and sports ventures. Kroenke’s investment in Arsenal has been met with mixed reactions, with fans often calling for more significant spending on players.
However, his acquisition of Arsenal has been a major success as of 2024 because they are the league contenders against Manchester City, Under Arteta Arsenal has turned out to be a major player in the Premier League.
6. Todd Boehly - Chelsea
Net Worth: $10.8 billion
Todd Boehly, an American businessman and investor, is part of the consortium that purchased Chelsea FC in 2022. His wealth is derived from a diverse portfolio, including investments in real estate, media, and technology. Boehly's vision includes leveraging data analytics and innovative business strategies to maintain Chelsea's competitive edge in both domestic and international competitions.
However, his splashing money on various players that had reached near to $1 Billion is yet to bear fruit. In a bizarre even many news outlets he suggested the former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel to play a formation called 4-4-3, where there was no goalkeeper.
6. Philip Anschutz - LA Galaxy
Net Worth: $11 billion
American businessman Philip Anschutz is the owner of LA Galaxy, one of Major League Soccer’s most successful clubs. Anschutz’s wealth is derived from diverse investments, including energy, real estate, and entertainment. LA Galaxy has become a marquee team in MLS, attracting global stars like David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimović.
7. Nasser Al-Khelaifi - Paris Saint-Germain
Net Worth: $8 billion
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the chairman of Qatar Sports Investments, oversees Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His wealth is closely tied to Qatar’s natural gas and media industries. Since his takeover, PSG has dominated French football and become a significant contender in Europe, signing top talents like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé.
He assembled what is known as the coldest lineup in the 2021 transfer window after signing Lionel Messi in a free transfer window from Barcelona, Also came players like Sergio Ramos, the team that was assembled to dominate Europe failed miserably.
8. Zhang Jindong - Inter Milan
Net Worth: $7.6 billion
Zhang Jindong, the founder of Suning Holdings Group, owns Inter Milan. His wealth comes from retail, real estate, and media. Under Zhang’s ownership, Inter has returned to prominence, winning the Serie A title and competing strongly in European competitions.
After a tough competition with Juventus over the supremacy InterMilan finally triumphed and won the Seria A in 2021, also managing to reach the final against Manchester City in 2023.
9. Robert Kraft - New England Revolution
Net Worth: $7 billion
Robert Kraft, an American billionaire, owns the New England Revolution and the New England Patriots (NFL). His fortune comes from his paper and packaging business, as well as sports ventures. Kraft’s influence has helped grow soccer’s popularity in the United States through strategic investments in MLS.
10. John W. Henry - Liverpool
Net Worth: $3.6 billion
John W. Henry, the principal owner of Fenway Sports Group, controls Liverpool. His wealth originates from investments in sports, media, and finance. Under his ownership, Liverpool has experienced a resurgence, winning the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, and enhancing their global brand.
Conclusion
The wealth of these football club owners has significantly impacted the sport, driving teams to new heights and reshaping the competitive landscape. Their investments have not only elevated the performance of their respective clubs but also contributed to the global growth and commercialization of football. As the sport continues to evolve, the influence of these billionaire owners will undoubtedly remain a pivotal factor in the future of football.
Comments