- 12 Influential Africans Shaping Global Football Through Club Ownership.
- Meet the African Investors Transforming the Football Industry.
- How African Business Leaders Are Changing the Game in Global Football.
Football is more than just a sport—it is a multi-billion dollar global industry that influences economies through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, merchandising, and tourism.
Major leagues and tournaments provide a significant economic boost to host countries, generating employment and driving infrastructural development.
This article highlights 12 influential Africans who have ventured into football club ownership, their motivations, and the impact they are making in the global football scene.
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1. Nassef Sawiris (Egypt)
Profession: Business Magnate, Investor
Football Club Owned: Aston Villa (England), Vitória Sport Clube (Portugal)
Year of Acquisition: 2018 (Aston Villa), 2023 (Vitória SC)
Nassef Sawiris, one of Egypt’s wealthiest individuals, made a game-changing entry into European football in 2018 by partnering with American businessman Wes Edens to acquire Aston Villa.
Under their stewardship, the club returned to the Premier League in 2019 and has since been on an upward trajectory.
Sawiris expanded his football portfolio by acquiring a stake in Vitória SC, demonstrating his commitment to global football development.
2. Kunle Soname (Nigeria)
Profession: Businessman, Politician, Sports Enthusiast
Football Club Owned: C.D. Feirense (Portugal), Remo Stars F.C. (Nigeria)
Year of Acquisition: 2015 (C.D. Feirense)
Kunle Soname, a pioneer in Nigerian football investment, became the first Nigerian to own a European football club when he took control of C.D. Feirense in 2015.
The tech and gaming mogul, founder of Bet9ja, also owns Remo Stars F.C., a club he has nurtured into a formidable force in Nigerian football.
His investments go beyond club ownership, as he continues to support grassroots football development in Africa.
3. Tems (Nigeria)
Profession: Musician, Grammy Award-Winning Artist
Football Club Owned: San Diego FC (USA)
Year of Acquisition: 2025
The internationally acclaimed Nigerian artist Tems made history as the first African woman to invest in an MLS team, San Diego FC.
Known for breaking boundaries in the music industry, Tems has extended her influence to football, using her platform to bridge the worlds of sports and entertainment.
Her investment is set to boost the club’s branding and connect African fans with the growing American soccer scene.
4. Patrice Motsepe (South Africa)
Profession: Billionaire, Investor, President of CAF
Football Club Owned: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Year of Acquisition: 2003
A household name in African business and football, Patrice Motsepe turned Mamelodi Sundowns into one of Africa’s most dominant teams.
His leadership saw the club clinch multiple domestic titles and the prestigious CAF Champions League.
In 2021, his influence in African football grew further when he became the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), shaping the future of the sport on the continent.
5. Eniola Aluko (British-Nigerian)
Profession: Former Footballer, Sports Executive, Broadcaster
Football Club Owned: FC Como Women (Italy)
Year of Acquisition: 2024
A former England international with an illustrious playing career, Eniola Aluko transitioned into football leadership with ease.
After serving as director at Aston Villa Women and Angel City FC, she took a bold step by joining the board of FC Como Women.
A vocal advocate for women’s football, Aluko is championing greater investment in the game while breaking barriers for African women in sports leadership.
6. Nneka Ede (Nigeria)
Profession: Entrepreneur
Football Club Owned: Lusitano Ginásio Clube, Futebol, SAD (Portugal)
Year of Acquisition: 2020
Nneka Ede made history as the first African woman to own a European football club when she acquired Lusitano GC in Portugal.
Passionate about talent development, she has been working to strengthen ties between Nigeria and Portugal, creating pathways for young African footballers to showcase their abilities on the international stage.
7. Kingsley Pungong (Cameroon)
Profession: Sports Entrepreneur
Football Club Owned: MFK Vyskov (Czech Republic) (2017–2024)
Kingsley Pungong, the mastermind behind Rainbow Sports Global, played a vital role in developing African football talent.
As the owner of MFK Vyskov, he provided an avenue for African players to transition into European football.
Though he sold his stake in 2024, his broader mission to support African sports continues through multiple initiatives.
8. Akosua Puni Essien (Ghana)
Profession: Businesswoman
Football Club Owned: Como 1907 (Italy)
Year of Acquisition: 2017
Akosua Puni Essien, wife of Ghanaian legend Michael Essien, took charge of Italian club Como 1907 in 2017.
Read Also:Racism in Football: 9 African footballers Who Faced Racial Discrimination – Background, Incidents
Although her tenure was short, her bold move into football club ownership highlighted the increasing role of African women in sports business.
9. Sola Akinlade (Nigeria)
Profession: Tech Entrepreneur
Football Club Owned: Aarhus Fremad (Denmark), Sporting Lagos (Nigeria)
Year of Acquisition: 2022 (Sporting Lagos), 2023 (Aarhus Fremad)
Sola Akinlade, co-founder of fintech giant Paystack, brought his tech-driven mindset into football.
By founding Sporting Lagos and acquiring a stake in Aarhus Fremad, he is creating a talent pipeline for African players to transition into European leagues.
10. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
Profession: Former Footballer, Philanthropist
Football Club Owned: Phoenix Rising FC (USA)
Year of Acquisition: 2017
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba became the first African to own a club in the United Soccer League when he joined Phoenix Rising FC as a player-owner.
His experience and leadership helped grow the club’s reputation.
11. Samih Sawiris (Egypt)
Profession: Investor
Football Club Owned: FC Luzern (Switzerland)
Year of Acquisition: 2011
Egyptian businessman Samih Sawiris took a strategic step into European football by acquiring a stake in FC Luzern.
His vast business experience, spanning tourism and infrastructure, has played a key role in the club’s development.
12. Moise Katumbi (DR Congo)
Profession: Businessman, Politician
Football Club Owned: TP Mazembe (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Year of Acquisition: 1997
Moise Katumbi turned TP Mazembe into one of Africa’s most decorated football clubs, winning multiple CAF Champions League titles.
His deep investment in African football has made TP Mazembe a powerhouse.
Conclusion: The Growing Influence of African Football Investors
African investors are increasingly playing a crucial role in the football industry, transforming clubs and opening new opportunities for the next generation.
Whether through direct ownership, youth development, or strategic investments, these individuals are ensuring Africa’s lasting impact on the global football stage.
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