- 12 influential Africans shape global football through club ownership.
- Meet African investors who have changed the football industry.
- How African business leaders change global football games.
Football is not only a sport, but a multi-billion dollar global industry that affects the economy through broadcast rights, sponsorships, merchandise and tourism.
The major leagues and tournaments provide significant economic enhancement for host countries, thereby promoting employment and promoting infrastructure development.
This article highlights 12 influential Africans who risked their inclusion in the ownership of football clubs, their motivations, and the impact they had on football scenes around the world.
1. Nassef Sawiris (Egypt)
Profession: Business tycoon, investor
Football Club owns: Aston Villa (England), Vivoria Sports Club (Portugal)
Acquisition year: 2018 (Aston Villa), 2023 (Vitória SC)
Nassef Sawiris, one of Egypt’s wealthiest people, bought Aston Villa in 2018 with American businessman Wes Edens, which changed the European football game.
Under their management, the club returned to the Premier League in 2019 and has been on an upward trajectory since then.
Sawiris expands his football portfolio by gaining stakes in Vitória SC, which shows his commitment to global football development.
2. Kun Sonam (Nigeria)
Profession: Businessman, politician, sports enthusiast
Football Club owns: CD Feirense (Portugal), Remo Stars FC (Nigeria)
Acquisition Year: 2015 (CD Feirense)
Kunle Soname, a pioneer in Nigerian football investment, became the first Nigerian to own a European football club when he took control of CD Feirense in 2015.
The tech and gaming tycoon, founder of Bet9ja, also owns Remo Stars FC, a club he fostered into a powerful force in Nigerian football matches.
As he continues to support grassroots football development in Africa, his investments exceed the club’s ownership.
3.TEMS (Nigeria)
Profession: Musician, Grammy Award-winning Artist
Football Club owns: San Diego Football Club (USA)
Acquisition year:2025
Internationally acclaimed Nigerian artist Tems became the first African woman to invest in the MLS team San Diego Football Club history.
Tems is known for breaking boundaries in the music industry, expanding her influence to football, using her platform to bridge the world of sports and entertainment.
Her investment will promote the club’s brand and connect African fans to the growing American football community.
4. Patrice Momakpe (South Africa)
Profession: Billionaire, Investor, CAF President
Football Club owns: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Acquisition year:2003
Patrice Motsepe is a household name for business and football in Africa, turning the Mamelodi Sundowns into one of Africa’s most important teams.
His leadership has seen the club win multiple domestic titles and a prestigious CAF Champions League.
In 2021, when he became president of the African Football Federation (CAF), his influence in African football grew further, shaping the future of the sport on the continent.
5. Ogon Sun (Nigerian Britannia)
Profession: Former football player, sports executive, broadcaster
Football Club owns: FC Como Women (Italy)
Acquisition Year: 2024
Eniola Aluko was formerly a former Eniola Aluko who had an outstanding career and easily transformed into football leader.
After serving as director at Aston Villa Women and Angel City Football Club, she took a bold step to joining the FC Como Women’s Board of Directors.
Aluko is an advocate for women’s football, breaking barriers for African women in the game leadership and advocating for greater investments in the game.
6. Acknowledgement (Nigeria)
Profession:entrepreneur
Football Club owns: Lusitano Stadium Club, Football, Sadness (Portugal)
Acquisition Year: 2020
Nneka Ede became the first African woman to own a European football club when he won the Lusitano GC in Portugal.
She is passionate about talent development and has been working to strengthen the connection between Nigeria and Portugal, creating avenues for young African footballers to demonstrate her abilities on the international stage.
7. Kingsley Panggang (Cameroon)
Profession: Sports Entrepreneur
Football Club has: MFKVšcov (Czech Republic) (2017-2024)
Kingsley Pungong, the mastermind behind Rainbow Sports Global, played a crucial role in developing African football talent.
As the owner of MFK Vyskov, he provides African players with a path to transition to European football.
Although he sold his stake in 2024, his broader mission to support the African movement is continuing through a number of initiatives.
8. Report Puli Essian (Ghana)
Profession: Businesswoman
Football Club has: For example, in 1907 (Italy)
Acquisition year:2017
Akosua Puni Essien, the wife of Ghanaian legend Michael Essien, was in charge of the 1907 Italian club Como in 2017.
Also Read: Football Racism: 9 African Football Players Facing Racial Discrimination – Background, Events
Despite her short term, her bold entry into the football club highlights the growing role of African women in the sports business.
9. Akinlade (Nigeria)
Profession: Technology entrepreneur
Football Club owns: Aarhus Forward (Denmark), Sporting Lagos (Nigeria)
Acquisition year: 2022 (Lagos Sports), 2023 (Arhus Fremad)
Sola Akinlade, co-founder of Fintech Giant Paystack, brought his technology-driven mindset to football.
By founding Lagos Sports and gaining stakes in Aarhus Fremad, he is creating a talent pipeline for African players to transition to the European League.
10. DidierDrogba (Ivory Coast)
Profession: Former football player, philanthropist
Football Club owns: Phoenix Rising FC (USA)
Acquisition year:2017
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba became the first African in the United Soccer League when he joined Phoenix’s rising football club as a player.
His experience and leadership helps to improve the club’s reputation.
11. SamihSawiris (Egypt)
Profession:investor
Football Club owns:FC Luzern (Switzerland)
Acquisition Year: 2011
Egyptian businessman Samih Sawiris took a strategic step in European football by acquiring stake in the Lucerne Football Club.
His vast business experience spans tourism and infrastructure and plays a key role in the development of the club.
12.
Profession: Businessman, politician
Football Club owns:TP Mazembe (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Acquisition year:1997
Moise Katumbi turned TP Mazembe into one of the most decorated soccer clubs in Africa, winning multiple CAF Champions League titles.
His in-depth investment in African football has made TP Mazembe a powerful force.
Conclusion: The growing influence of African football investors
African investors are increasingly playing a vital role in the football industry, transforming clubs and opening up new opportunities for the next generation.
Whether through direct ownership, youth development or strategic investment, these people are ensuring the lasting impact of Africa on the global football stage.
