In the modern football world, the combination of sports and business is becoming increasingly stronger, creating football clubs that are not only outstanding in terms of achievements but also huge financial empires. The richest football club owners in the world are not only sports enthusiasts but also strategic billionaire investors, contributing to changing the appearance of football teams and enhancing global brand value. In this article, Win Tips Bet will review the list of the richest football club owners in the world, who have turned football into a profitable industry and played an important role in creating impressive breakthroughs for the clubs they own.
Top 10 richest football club owners in the world
1. Public Investment Fund – Newcastle ($589 billion)
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), under the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, made headlines when it acquired Newcastle United in October 2021. With an estimated fortune of nearly $600 billion, PIF not only owns the Premier League team but also holds four clubs in the Saudi Pro League, including Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli. These moves mark a major breakthrough in Saudi Arabia’s investment strategy in international sports and football.
Since the PIF takeover, Newcastle United has undergone a dramatic transformation, transforming from a team that was always worried about the risk of relegation to an ambitious team with great potential in European tournaments. Spending heavily to strengthen the squad and improve the quality of the squad has helped the team significantly improve its performance. This case is a clear demonstration that in the modern football world, sometimes money can really bring success and happiness to a club.
2. Sheikh Mansour – Man City ($30.1 billion)
Sheikh Mansour, the owner of Manchester City, although not at the top of the list of the richest football club owners in the world, is still a symbol of great power. With an estimated fortune of up to $30.1 billion, Mansour has not only invested in Man City but also expanded his influence through clubs owned by City Football Group, including New York City FC and Melbourne City. This move represents a long-term strategy to increase his influence in the global sports field.
Under the leadership of Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City has not only become the strongest team in England but also affirmed its solid position in Europe. The 2022-23 season is the clearest proof of Man City's outstanding success, when they won a historic treble, including the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League. This achievement marks an important turning point in the team's journey to conquer major titles under the talented direction of Mansour.
3. Sir Jim Ratcliffe - MU ($27 billion)
As CEO of INEOS, Sir Jim Ratcliffe officially joined Manchester United in 2024, becoming a minority shareholder of the club. With an outstanding career in industry and sports, Ratcliffe is expected to bring a new breeze to the "Red Devils", especially when the team is facing a difficult period in terms of performance and stability. His appearance at Old Trafford is expected to mark an important turning point in restructuring and developing the team in a new direction, with long-term management and investment strategies.
However, the reality has not been as expected by fans and experts. One of the first measures that Ratcliffe implemented was to cut costs, which has caused frustration among both staff and fans. These changes, although they may have brought financial efficiency in the long term, have not satisfied those who were waiting for a boost in terms of performance on the pitch. Manchester United fans, who have experienced unsuccessful seasons, continue to feel frustrated when the team has not been able to revive as expected.
However, restoring Manchester United's strength is not something that can be done overnight. It is a complex task, requiring a comprehensive strategy, from improving the squad, rebuilding morale and promoting sustainable development activities. Sir Jim Ratcliffe will certainly need more time to prove his vision and help the team return to its former glory. Patience and determination in his next steps will be key factors in deciding his future at Manchester United.
4. David Tepper – Charlotte FC ($18 billion)
David Tepper is one of the most prominent investors and sports owners in the United States. He is the owner of MLS team Charlotte FC, which officially launched in 2022 and quickly attracted the attention of fans. This is part of Tepper's strategy to expand and develop soccer in the United States, as he wants to build Charlotte FC into a strong and competitive team in the league. In addition to owning Charlotte FC, Tepper is also the owner of the Carolina Panthers football team in the NFL, demonstrating his involvement in the biggest sports leagues in the United States. The combination of soccer and football in Tepper's investment portfolio shows his strategic vision and diversity in the sports field.
As the founder and chairman of Appaloosa Management, a global investment fund based in Miami Beach, Tepper has built a strong financial empire. This investment fund is notable for its strategic investments in various industries, which have helped him accumulate a large fortune. It is thanks to his deep understanding of the financial market that Tepper spent $325 million to expand the MLS soccer league. This investment not only created a record franchise fee but also reflected his strong commitment to promoting the development of soccer in the United States, where the sport is increasingly receiving attention. Tepper's determination and long-term vision have helped him affirm his position in both the sports and financial investment fields.
5. Philip Anschutz – LA Galaxy ($13 billion)
Philip Anschutz, owner of the LA Galaxy soccer team and controlling shareholder of the NHL team Los Angeles Kings, is one of the richest and most influential businessmen in the United States. With an estimated net worth of $13 billion, Anschutz is not only a prominent figure in sports but also a tycoon in other industries. He has built a strong financial empire through strategic investments in oil, railroads, telecommunications, real estate and entertainment. These investments have brought him a large source of income and helped him maintain dominance in many areas.
His Anschutz Entertainment Group manages more than 350 stadiums and event venues worldwide. It is one of the largest and most influential businesses in the entertainment industry, especially in the fields of sports and music. With this management, Anschutz not only has a great influence in sports but also plays an important role in organizing major events, from sports matches to large-scale concerts. Through a combination of financial investing and a passion for sports, Anschutz has built a diverse and successful portfolio on many fronts.
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6. Shahid Khan – Fulham ($12 billion)
Pakistani-American billionaire Shahid Khan is one of the most prominent figures in the world of sports and business. In addition to owning the Fulham football team in the Premier League, Khan also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars football team in the NFL and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a wrestling organization that is growing and attracting attention in the sports entertainment world. His presence in many sports fields not only reflects his passion but also proves Khan's strategic vision in developing sports teams and organizing tournaments.
However, Khan's huge fortune does not come from sports but from his career as an entrepreneur with the automotive manufacturing company Flex-N-Gate, which he founded while he was a student at the University of Illinois. The company specializes in supplying auto parts and has become one of the largest suppliers to the US auto industry. Khan’s success in the automotive industry has helped him amass a huge fortune, opening the way for him to invest in the sports and entertainment industries. Khan entered the football world in 2013 when he bought Fulham, helping the team maintain a mid-table position in the Premier League, marking an important milestone in his development journey in sports.
7. Stan Kroenke – Arsenal ($7.8 billion)
Stan Kroenke, an American billionaire and owner of Arsenal, is one of the most prominent sports investors with an estimated fortune of $7.8 billion. In addition to owning Arsenal, Kroenke is also the owner of many other sports teams, including the Colorado Rapids (MLS), Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), and Colorado Avalanche (NHL). The diversity of his sports portfolio reflects not only his passion for different sports but also his strategic vision in investing and developing top sports teams in the US and Europe.
Not only successful in the sports field, Kroenke is also one of the largest landowners in the US and Canada, with an area of up to 1.5 million acres. His real estate investments have helped him build a strong financial empire, contributing to his huge fortune. In addition, Kroenke is married to Ann Walton Kroenke, the heiress of Walmart, which further strengthens his financial foundation. The combination of smart investments in sports and real estate has helped Kroenke maintain a strong position in the billionaire world and in diverse business fields.
8. Nasser Al-Khelaifi – PSG ($7.65 billion)
Qatari billionaire Nasser Al-Khelaifi once set his sights on turning Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) into a top European powerhouse. Despite the club’s huge domestic success and strong international presence, Al-Khelaifi’s dream of winning the UEFA Champions League has yet to materialize. Under his leadership, PSG has made great strides in attracting the world’s top stars, but the Champions League remains an elusive goal.
Under Al-Khelaifi, PSG has made big-money moves such as the then-world record signing of Neymar in 2017 and the arrival of Lionel Messi in 2021. These signings have not only improved the quality of the squad but have also helped make PSG one of the most sought-after teams in the world. In addition, Al-Khelaifi has also established major brand deals with partners such as Nike and Jordan, helping PSG not only develop in terms of sports but also increase its strong brand value in the international market. His efforts have made PSG one of the most commercially valuable sports clubs in the world, although success in the Champions League remains an unfulfilled goal.
9. Joe Lewis – Tottenham ($7.65 billion)
While Daniel Levy is the most prominent face of Tottenham Hotspur, the real financial power of the club lies with Joe Lewis, a British billionaire. Lewis owns Tottenham through a family trust, with strong control over the club’s financial decisions. He is known for his currency speculation, particularly during the UK’s withdrawal from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) in 1992, a move that many believe made him a huge profit.
Joe Lewis founded the Tavistock Group, a diversified investment company, through which he acquired Tottenham in 2001 for just £22 million. This was a modest initial investment compared to the club's current value, but with a shrewd financial strategy, Lewis helped Tottenham become one of the most valuable teams and attract the attention of global investors. However, Lewis also faced an insider trading scandal in 2024. Although he was charged and risked jail time, he was ultimately fined only £4 million, showing the complexity of the legal issues he faced.
10. Dietmar Hopp – TSG Hoffenheim ($7.15 billion)
Dietmar Hopp, founder of SAP SE, is one of the most prominent billionaires in the world of sports, owning Bundesliga team Hoffenheim. With a net worth of $7.15 billion, Hopp has made major contributions to the development of the club, investing more than $500 million since acquiring Hoffenheim. This heavy investment has helped the club make significant strides over the years, although it has yet to achieve the same level of success as Germany's top clubs.
However, in March 2023, Hopp decided to return Hoffenheim's majority voting rights, although he remained the largest shareholder. The decision came after years of pressure from protests over Hoffenheim's violation of the 50+1 ownership rule, a key regulation in German football that ensures clubs remain owned by fans rather than wealthy investors. Hopp's decision was controversial, but was also an important step in easing tensions and allowing the club to continue to grow under investor control.
Despite this, Hoffenheim are still struggling to maintain their place in the Bundesliga and are often at risk of relegation. Financial issues and team strategy remain a major challenge for Hopp, especially as the club has yet to rise to compete with top teams like Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund.
In Summary
From Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund to billionaires like Sheikh Mansour and Stan Kroenke, the richest football club owners in the world have not only changed the image of their teams but also had a strong influence on the global football scene. They are the decisive factors in promoting the development of football, creating famous deals and constantly increasing the value of the club. The success of teams under the leadership of these wealthy owners proves that in football, in addition to player talent, smart investment strategies can also lead to glory.
