Who Are The Richest Football Club Owners

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Wealthy individuals often invest in football clubs for a variety of reasons, and these motivations can vary based on personal, financial, and strategic considerations. Many wealthy individuals are ardent football fans, and owning a club allows them to actively participate in the sport they love. The emotional connection to the game and the desire to contribute to the success of a team can be a significant driving force.

Also, owning a football club, especially one in a top league, can elevate an individual’s status and prestige. It provides a high-profile platform, and being associated with a successful club can enhance personal reputation and visibility. For some investors, football clubs represent attractive business opportunities. Football is a globally followed sport, and owning a club offers a unique opportunity for global brand exposure. Successful clubs attract attention not only locally but also internationally, providing a platform for business and personal brand promotion. You can install the 4 Ra Bet play online and place your bets with nice odds. 

For some wealthy individuals, acquiring a football club can serve as a diversification strategy for their investment portfolio. While this is not without risks, successful football clubs can appreciate over time.

Beyond financial considerations, some owners derive personal fulfillment from the project of building and nurturing a successful football club. The challenges and triumphs of managing a team can be personally rewarding. 

Here are the most wealthy people in the world who have their football clubs. 

Top 10 Richest Football Club Owners List

We’ve compiled a list of football club owners who are in the top 0.01% of the richest people on the planet. Their fortunes are measured in billions of dollars, and they own, in addition to football clubs, many other properties and businesses.

Important: You may see other names in other ratings and other net worths for each owner. The reason is that different financial ratings determine the state of a businessman in different ways (some consider only assets, others consider the value of his companies and the state of his entire family).

Name	Country	Company Or Source Of Income	Net Worth, billion	Football Club
Francois-Henri Pinault	France	Groupe Artémis, Kering	$31.6	Stade Rennais
Sheikh Mansour	United Arab Emirates	Vice President of UAE	$30	Manchester City
Agnelli Family	Italy	FIAT, Exor	$19.1	Juventus
Stanley Kroenke	USA	Sports Entrepreneur, Married to an heiress of a Walmart,	$14.8	Arsenal
Shahid Khan	Pakistan	Flex-N-Gate	$12.1	Fulham
Robert Kraft	USA	Kraft Group	$11.1	New England Patriots
Philip Anschutz	USA	AEG	$10.5	LA Galaxy
Zhang Jindong	China	Suning Holdings Group	$7.4	Inter Milan
Todd Boehly	USA	Eldridge Industries	$6.1	Chelsea
Dietmar Hopp	Germany	SAP	$4.3	Hoffenheim

Next, we will tell you what each billionaire from this rating does and how much he paid for the club.

Francois-Henri Pinault

Date Of Birth: May 28, 1962

Business: As the CEO of Kering, a multinational group headquartered in France, he oversees a portfolio of prestigious luxury brands. Some of the notable brands under Kering’s umbrella include Balenciaga, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Boucheron, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Girard-Perregaux, Brioni, Qeelin, Pomellato, Christopher Kane, Tomas Maier, and Ulysse Nardin.

Football Club: Stade Rennais

When FC Was Bought: 1998

François-Henri Pinault, a prominent French businessman, has been at the helm of luxury fashion group Kering since 2005 and has served as the President of Groupe Artémis since 2003. He played a pivotal role in transforming the retail conglomerate PPR into the esteemed Kering.

As the son of François Pinault, the founder of PPR, Pinault has a rich legacy in the business world. Notably, he is married to the acclaimed Hollywood actress Salma Hayek. Since 2003, he has held the position of President at Groupe Artémis, which oversees Kering and owns significant entities like Château Latour winery, Christie’s auction house, and the Ligue 1 football team Stade Rennais F.C.

Taking charge as the President and CEO of PPR in March 2005, Pinault spearheaded its transformation into an international luxury fashion group. His strategic moves included divesting leading retail assets and merging PPR with the Gucci group, consolidating a portfolio of luxury brands under his direct supervision.

Pinault continued to expand the group’s influence by acquiring additional luxury brands, leading to the renaming of PPR to Kering in June 2013. Notably, he celebrated Stade Rennais F.C.’s Coupe de France victory in 2019, marking a significant achievement since the Pinault family’s acquisition of the football club in 1998.

In addition to his role in the fashion industry, François-Henri Pinault’s influence extends to various sectors through his leadership in Groupe Artémis, showcasing a multifaceted business approach.

Sheikh Mansour

Date Of Birth: November 20, 1970

Business: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, is known for his substantial wealth, much of which comes from diverse business interests. One of the key sources of his wealth is his role as the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the Minister of Presidential Affairs. In addition to his government positions, Sheikh Mansour has significant investments in various sectors, contributing to his wealth. 

Football Club: Manchester City

When FC Was Bought: 2008

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, an influential member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, is a prominent Emirati royal and politician. As the current vice president and deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, he also holds the position of minister of the presidential court. Additionally, Sheikh Mansour is a vital member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi.

He is the brother of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current president of the UAE.Married to Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.

Business Ventures:

• Sheikh Mansour is a billionaire with significant wealth attributed to his ownership and investments in football clubs.
• He is the chairman of the Ministerial Development Council, Emirates Investment Authority, and Emirates Racing Authority.
• Holds positions on the Supreme Petroleum Council and the Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs.
• Serves as the chairman of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates.
• Owner of the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), an investment company for the Abu Dhabi royal family.
• Transferred ownership and responsibilities to Khaldoon Al Mubarak and the City Football Group, leading to significant success for Manchester City, including six Premier League titles.
• Established City Football Group, a holding company managing various football teams worldwide, such as Melbourne City, Mumbai City, and New York City.

Estimated net worth of $30 billion as of 2023, making him one of the wealthiest football club owners in the Premier League and globally.

Sheikh Mansour’s influence extends beyond football, encompassing political and economic spheres in the UAE. His strategic investments and contributions to the sports industry have marked him as a key figure in both national and international arenas.

Agnelli Family

Business: 

Football Club: Juventus

When FC Was Bought: 1923

The Agnelli family, one of Italy’s wealthiest, is known for its control of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and its diversified business empire. Through their investment company Exor, the Agnellis are involved in sectors such as automotive (Fiat, Ferrari), luxury goods (Ferrari, Maserati), real estate, and media (The Economist, Juventus Football Club). The family’s influence extends across various industries, making them a significant economic force in Italy and beyond.

The Agnelli family, established by Giovanni Agnelli, is an Italian business dynasty known for founding Fiat and playing a major role in the automotive industry. They invested in Ferrari, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, and Chrysler. The family has managed and been the majority investor in Juventus F.C. since 1923. They are associated with contemporary Italian history and are likened to the Kennedys, engaging in patronage of art and sports. With about two hundred members as of 2020, they control Exor through privately owned Giovanni Agnelli B.V.

Stanley Kroenke

Date Of Birth: July 29, 1947

Business: His primary business interests revolve around sports and real estate. 

Football Club: Arsenal F.C, and also Colorado Rapids (Soccer), Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Denver Nuggets (Basketball), Colorado Avalanche (Ice Hockey), Colorado Mammoth (Lacrosse), LA Gladiators, LA Guerrillas (eSports)

When FC Was Bought: 2007 

Stan Kroenke is an American billionaire businessman renowned for his significant presence in the sports industry. Before venturing into sports, he amassed wealth through real estate in the US and Canada. In 1999, he founded Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, the parent company for all his sports teams.

His notable ownerships include:

• Arsenal F.C.: Kroenke owns Arsenal F.C. in the Premier League, acquiring a majority stake in 2018 after a gradual share acquisition.
• Other Sports Teams: He owns a diverse range of teams, including the Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Mammoth (National Lacrosse League), Los Angeles Gladiators (Overwatch League), and Los Angeles Guerrillas (Call of Duty League).
• Colorado Rapids: In Major League Soccer (MLS), Kroenke owns the Colorado Rapids, contributing to his extensive sports portfolio.

His wife, Ann Walton Kroenke, holds ownership of the Nuggets and Avalanche franchises due to NFL ownership restrictions. These teams, under Kroenke’s ownership, have achieved significant success, with championships in the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLS, and the National Lacrosse League.

Shahid Khan

Date Of Birth: July 18, 1950

Business: Khan is the owner of the auto parts manufacturer Flex-N-Gate. The company specializes in manufacturing bumpers and other vehicle parts for the automotive industry.

Football Club: Fulham 

When FC Was Bought: 2013, for $200 million. 

Shahid Khan, a Pakistani-American billionaire, made a significant impact in the sports industry by acquiring Fulham FC in 2013 for over $180 million. While achieving immense success in the automotive sector through his company Flex-N-Gate, Khan demonstrated his commitment to soccer ownership and sports ventures. Besides Fulham, he owns the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL and co-owns All Elite Wrestling with his son, Tony Khan.

Ranked among the world’s wealthiest football club owners with a net worth of $12.2 billion, Shahid Khan’s influence extends beyond business into the realms of football and wrestling. His strategic investments and dedication to Fulham have not only revived the club’s standing in the Premier League but also positioned Khan as a prominent figure in both business and sports. His notable achievements include a front cover feature in Forbes magazine in 2012 and consistent recognition among the richest individuals globally, reflecting his multifaceted success.

Robert Kraft

Date Of Birth: June 5, 1941

Business: The Kraft Group holds assets in various industries, ranging from paper to real estate. 

Football Club: New England Patriots

When FC Was Bought: 1994

Robert Kraft, with a net worth of around $11.1 billion, has made a substantial impact in both the sports and business arenas. He acquired the New England Patriots for $172 million in 1994, and under his ownership, the team’s value has soared to approximately $6 billion, securing six Super Bowl rings along the way. In addition to the Patriots, Kraft owns the New England Revolution MLS club and ventured into professional video gaming with a team based in Boston in 2017.

As the chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group, Kraft oversees a diversified holding company with interests in paper and packaging, sports and entertainment, real estate development, and a private equity portfolio. His business journey began in 1972 with the founding of International Forest Products, specializing in wood, pulp, and paper trade. In 1998, Kraft established the Kraft Group to serve as a holding company for various interests, including Rand-Whitney and International Forest Products, with a notable focus on sports.

Kraft’s involvement extends beyond sports, as evidenced by the merger of Kraft Foods Inc. with Heinz in 2015. This strategic move, orchestrated by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital, formed The Kraft Heinz Company, now recognized as the fifth-largest food and beverage company globally.

Philip Anschutz

Date Of Birth: December 8, 1939

Business: He owns or controls companies in a variety of industries, including energy, railroads, real estate, sports, newspapers, movies, theaters, arenas, and music. 

Football Club: LA Galaxy

When FC Was Bought: 1998

Philip Anschutz, an American billionaire businessman, boasts a diverse portfolio spanning energy, railroads, real estate, sports, newspapers, movies, theaters, arenas, and music. In 1961, he acquired his father’s oil drilling company, Circle A Drilling, setting the stage for substantial returns in Wyoming. Anschutz initially delved into stocks, real estate, and railroads before expanding into sports and entertainment.

A pivotal figure in American soccer, he co-founded Major League Soccer (MLS) and owns multiple soccer teams, including the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo, San Jose Earthquakes, and the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. Anschutz is the principal owner of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and a minority owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers.

His influence extends to iconic performance venues globally, including the Staples Center, The O2 in London, and the Dignity Health Sports Park. As the head of AEG Live, Anschutz holds ownership of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Sea Island Resorts, and The Broadmoor hotels in Colorado.

Forbes, in 2021, ranked Philip Anschutz as the 66th richest person in the United States, estimating his net worth at $10.1 billion. An influential figure across various industries, Anschutz has amassed fortunes in railroads, oil, telecom, real estate, sports, and entertainment, solidifying his imprint as a major player in the business world.

Zhang Jindong

Date Of Birth: March 23, 1963

Business: He focuses on retail, finance, and logistics. It offers online and offline digital service networks to provide large data suppliers brand promotion, product customization, and supply chain management services. 

Football Club: Inter Milan

When FC Was Bought: 2016

Zhang Jindong, the chairman of Suning.com, a prominent Chinese e-commerce company and major appliance retailer, holds a significant position in the business landscape. In June 2016, his private firm, Suning Holdings, acquired a 70% stake in F.C. Inter Milan for $300 million, emphasizing his involvement in the sports industry.

Suning Sports Media Group, under Zhang’s leadership, secured substantial A-round financing in 2018, amounting to $600 million, valuing the business at $2.6 billion. Beyond his ventures in sports, Zhang’s firm, Suning Holdings, also maintains a 61% ownership stake in the online broadcaster PPTV.

Zhang Jindong’s influence extends to the broader realm of commerce, particularly in the thriving Chinese e-commerce and appliance retail sectors. His entrepreneurial prowess is complemented by the notable success and valuation of Suning Sports Media Group, reflecting his impactful presence in various business domains. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that Zhang Jindong’s brother, Zhang Guiping, shares in the family’s success and is one of China’s affluent business figures.

Todd Boehly

Date Of Birth: September 20, 1973

Business: Todd Boehly amassed his wealth through co-founding Eldridge Holdings, a diversified conglomerate, leveraging financial expertise from his role at Guggenheim Partners. Eldridge’s portfolio spans insurance, entertainment, and sports, including minority stakes in the Los Angeles Lakers and Dodgers. 

Football Club: Chelsea F.C

When FC Was Bought: 2022

BlueCo, a consortium led by Todd Boehly, Clearlake Capital, Mark Walter, and Hansjörg Wyss, emerged as a pivotal investment vehicle for the takeover of Premier League football club Chelsea in 2022. This strategic move unfolded as Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich decided to sell the club amidst widespread controversy.

Named after the iconic home color of Chelsea F.C., BlueCo serves as the parent company of the flagship football club. The consortium’s leadership is helmed by American billionaire Todd Boehly, the chairman and CEO of Eldridge Industries, and Clearlake Capital, spearheaded by American billionaire Behdad Eghbali. Together, Boehly and Eghbali boast a combined net worth exceeding US$10.3 billion, establishing them among the wealthiest football club owners globally in 2023, according to the Bloomberg Billionaire Index and Forbes.

The consortium’s lineup also includes Hansjörg Wyss, founder of the Wyss Foundation, and Mark Walter, co-founder and CEO of Guggenheim Partners. In a notable move, Todd Boehly and fellow investors completed the acquisition of Chelsea FC from Roman Abramovich in May 2022, involving a substantial investment of nearly $5 billion. BlueCo has since made significant strides in reshaping the team, signing over 25 players and allocating over $1 billion to initial transfers. The club’s financial dynamics were further strengthened by player sales, generating over €254 million last summer, as reported by Transfermarkt.

In June 2023, BlueCo expanded its footprint by reaching an agreement to become shareholders of the French club RC Strasbourg Alsace. The agreement, involving an investment of €75 million, solidified the consortium’s close-to-100% ownership of the club and positioned them to invest in Strasbourg’s first teams and academy. This strategic move underscores BlueCo’s commitment to football development beyond the boundaries of the Premier League.

Dietmar Hopp

Date Of Birth: April 26, 1940

Business: He co-founded SAP SE, a multinational software corporation. SAP, which stands for Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing, is a leading company in enterprise software, providing solutions for various business operations and processes.

Football Club: Hoffenheim

When FC Was Bought: 2015

Dietmar Hopp, a German billionaire and co-founder of SAP SE, has a deep-rooted connection with football, having played youth football for Hoffenheim in his early years. When Hoffenheim faced relegation to the nation’s bottom league, Hopp, a devoted supporter, stepped in and purchased the club, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.

Under Hopp’s ownership, Hoffenheim experienced consecutive promotions, evolving into a prominent club in the nation’s top divisions. Hopp’s financial commitment to the team is exemplified by the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium, an investment of approximately $100 million with a seating capacity of 30,000.

Hopp’s influence extends beyond the football field, as he is the founder of SAP SE, a software giant. During his ownership of Hoffenheim, he has reportedly invested nearly £347 million, contributing significantly to the club’s growth and success.

In a notable move in March 2023, Hopp decided to relinquish the majority voting rights of Hoffenheim while maintaining his position as the club’s majority shareholder. This strategic decision hints at potential shifts in the club’s leadership, especially with its current standings near the relegation zone.

Dietmar Hopp and his family own Turn- und Sportgemeinschaft 1899 Hoffenheim e.V. (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim), a German professional football club. Additionally, they are associated with Dietmar Hopp Stiftung, a firm dedicated to supporting sports, medicine, education, and social programs.

Hopp made history by becoming the first private owner of a Bundesliga side, taking a majority stake in Hoffenheim after financing the club for about 25 years. His substantial financial support, estimated at 350 million euros, played a pivotal role in guiding the club from minor leagues to the top flight. This move was made possible by a league decision allowing private investors with extended and significant financial support to own a majority stake, an exception to the usual 49% ownership limit for outside investors.

The Richest Funds That Own Football Clubs

It’s not just rich people who invest in football clubs. Large financial state funds also believe that investing in elite teams is a good investment.

Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund – Newcastle United

The sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, acquired Newcastle United in October 2021. The PIF, with estimated assets of $776 million, is the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund and owns multiple clubs in the Saudi Pro League. While opinions differ on including a public investment fund on this list, the influence of the Crown Prince in shaping Newcastle United’s future makes it a notable presence. The team’s enhanced financial backing has already led to improved performance, including qualification for the UEFA Champions League in the 22/23 season.

Qatar Investment Authority – Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain’s owner, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, boasts an impressive £6.3 billion fortune, heading the Qatari Sports Investments and serving as the chairman of the BeIN media group. His financial prowess has transformed PSG into a lucrative entity, marked by high-profile signings like Neymar and Lionel Messi, along with lucrative brand partnerships with Nike and Jordan. Beyond football, Al-Khelaifi exhibits a significant passion for tennis, earning recognition as the second most successful member of the Qatari Davis Cup team.

Former Richest Football Club Owners

As recently as last year, the ranking of the richest football club owners looked different. Two other personalities in it disappeared from the ranking in 2023.

Dietrich Mateschitz with $20.7 billion net worth. He was the owner of the Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig, and NY Red Bulls. He was an Austrian who co-founded the energy drink company Red Bull alongside Thai businessman Chaleo Yoovidhya, who has since passed away. Chaleo’s son, Chalerm, is currently a billionaire. Together, Mateschitz and Chaleo strategically marketed Red Bull to associate the brand with extreme feats, contributing to its global success.

Dietrich Mateschitz died in 2022. His fortune (including football clubs) was inherited by his son Mark.

Roman Abramovich with $12 billion net worth. Roman Abramovich made his fortune primarily through business ventures in the Russian oil industry. In the 1990s, he acquired significant stakes in various Russian oil companies, particularly Sibneft and Sibneftegaz. During the controversial privatization period in Russia, Abramovich, along with business partners, obtained control over these oil assets. Roman Abramovich purchased Chelsea Football Club in July 2003 for approximately $233 million. But in 2022, Abramovich was forced to sell Chelsea after he was sanctioned by the British Government. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of football is not only defined by the skill and talent exhibited on the pitch but also by the financial prowess of the individuals who own and invest in these clubs. The list of the richest football club owners showcases a diverse range of entrepreneurs, billionaires, and sovereign wealth funds, each contributing significantly to the success and global appeal of their respective teams. From traditional football enthusiasts to business tycoons, these owners have played a pivotal role in shaping the modern football landscape, influencing transfers, stadium developments, and club branding. As the sport continues to evolve, the financial might of these owners remains a key factor in determining the competitive edge and success of their clubs on both domestic and international stages.

The Richest Football Club Owners In 2023 Video

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