In the modern football world, the combination of sports and business is becoming stronger, creating football clubs that are not only outstanding in achievements but also massive financial empires. The richest football club owners in the world are not only sports enthusiasts but also strategic billionaire investors, contributing to the transformation of football teams and enhancing their 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, garnered global attention when it acquired Newcastle United in October 2021. With an estimated fortune of nearly $600 billion, PIF owns not only the Premier League team but also four clubs in the Saudi Pro League, including Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli. These moves mark a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s investment strategy in global sports, particularly football.
Since the PIF takeover, Newcastle United has undergone a dramatic transformation, changing from a team constantly battling relegation to an ambitious club with great potential in European tournaments. Heavy investment in strengthening the squad has significantly improved the team's performance. Newcastle United's transformation is a clear example that in modern football, money can sometimes be the key to a club's success and prosperity.
2. Sheikh Mansour – Man City ($30.1 billion)
Sheikh Mansour, the owner of Manchester City, although not the world's richest football club owner, remains a symbol of immense power. With an estimated fortune of $30.1 billion, Mansour has not only invested in Manchester 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 expand his influence in the global sports industry.
Under the leadership of Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City has not only become the strongest team in England but also solidified its position in Europe. The 2022-23 season was the clearest proof of Man City's outstanding success, as they won a historic treble, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. This achievement marked an important turning point in the team's quest for major titles under the talented direction of Mansour.
3. Sir Jim Ratcliffe - MU ($27 billion)
As CEO of INEOS, Sir Jim Ratcliffe became part of 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 fresh perspective to the "Red Devils," especially as the team faces a difficult period in terms of performance and stability. His arrival at Old Trafford is expected to mark an important turning point in restructuring and guiding the team toward a new direction, with long-term management and investment strategies.
However, the reality has not met the expectations of fans and experts. One of the first measures that Ratcliffe implemented was to cut costs, which has led to frustration among both staff and fans. These changes, although they may have brought financial stability in the long term, have not satisfied those who were waiting for an improvement in on-pitch performance. Manchester United fans, who have experienced unsuccessful seasons, continue to feel frustrated as the team has not been able to return to its former level as expected.
However, reviving Manchester United is not something that can be done overnight. It is a complex task, requiring a comprehensive strategy, from improving the squad to rebuilding morale and promoting sustainable development activities. Sir Jim Ratcliffe will certainly need more time to demonstrate his vision and help the team return to its former glory. Patience and determination in his next steps will be key factors in determining his future at Manchester United.
4. David Tepper – Charlotte FC ($18 billion)
David Tepper is one of the most prominent investors and owners in sports in the United States. He is the owner of the MLS team Charlotte FC, which officially launched in 2022 and quickly attracted the attention of fans. This is part of Tepper's strategy to 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, an NFL team, demonstrating his involvement in the biggest sports leagues in the United States. The combination of soccer and American football in Tepper's investment portfolio shows his strategic vision and diversity in the sports industry.
As the founder and chairman of Appaloosa Management, a global investment fund based in Miami Beach, Tepper has established a powerful financial empire. This investment fund is notable for its strategic investments in various industries, helping him accumulate a large fortune.
Thanks to his deep understanding of the financial market, Tepper spent $325 million to expand Major League Soccer (MLS). This investment not only set a record franchise fee but also reflected his strong commitment to promoting the development of soccer in the United States, where the sport is gaining increasing attention. Tepper's determination and long-term vision have helped him solidify his position in both the sports and financial investment fields.
5. Philip Anschutz – LA Galaxy ($13 billion)
Philip Anschutz, owner of LA Galaxy and controlling shareholder of the NHL franchise 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 across multiple industries.
He has built a strong financial empire through strategic investments in oil, railroads, telecommunications, real estate, and entertainment. These investments have brought him substantial wealth and helped him maintain a dominant position across multiple sectors.
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 sports and music. Through his 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 investments 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 Fulham in the Premier League, Khan also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a wrestling organization that is rapidly growing and gaining attention in the sports entertainment world. His presence in multiple sports sectors not only reflects his passion but also demonstrates Khan's strategic vision in developing sports teams and organizing tournaments.
However, Khan's huge fortune does not stem from sports but rather from his career in 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 grown into one of the largest suppliers to the US auto industry.
Khan’s success in the automotive industry has helped him amass an immense fortune, paving the way for him to invest in the sports and entertainment industries. Khan entered the football world in 2013 when he bought Fulham, where he helped the team maintain a stable mid-table position in the Premier League, marking an important milestone in his journey in sports development.
7. Stan Kroenke – Arsenal ($7.8 billion)
Stan Kroenke, an American billionaire and the owner of Arsenal, is one of the most influential sports investors, with an estimated fortune of $7.8 billion. In addition to owning Arsenal, Kroenke also owns 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 deep passion for various sports but also his strategic vision for investing in and developing top sports teams in the US and Europe.
Not only is it successful in the sports industry, but Kroenke is also one of the largest landowners in the US and Canada, owning up to 1.5 million acres. His real estate investments have enabled him to build a powerful financial empire, further adding to his massive fortune. In addition, Kroenke is married to Ann Walton Kroenke, the heiress of Walmart, a fact that further strengthens his financial foundation. The combination of smart investments in sports and real estate has helped Kroenke maintain a strong position among the world's billionaires and across various industries.
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 remains unfulfilled. 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 high-profile transfers, such as the then-world-record transfer 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 establish PSG as one of the most sought-after teams in the world.
In addition, Al-Khelaifi has established major brand deals with partners such as Nike and Jordan, helping PSG develop both athletically and commercially while strengthening its brand presence 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 elusive achievement.
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 rests with Joe Lewis, a British billionaire. Lewis owns Tottenham through a family trust, exercising 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 earned him significant profits.
Joe Lewis founded the Tavistock Group, a diversified investment company, and through it, 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 faced the risk of jail time, he was ultimately fined only £4 million, showing the complexity of the legal issues he encountered.
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 the 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 he acquired Hoffenheim. This heavy investment has helped the club make significant strides over the years, although it has yet to achieve the level of success enjoyed by Germany's top clubs.
However, in March 2023, Hopp decided to relinquish Hoffenheim's majority voting rights, although he remained the largest shareholder. The decision came after years of pressure from protests against Hoffenheim for violating 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 also an important step in easing tensions and allowing the club to continue growing under the control of investors.
Despite this, Hoffenheim is still struggling to maintain its place in the Bundesliga and is often at risk of relegation. Financial issues and tactical strategy remain a major challenge for Hopp, especially as the club has yet to reach the level needed 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 have also had a strong influence on the global football scene. They are the decisive factors in promoting the development of football, securing high-profile transfers, and constantly increasing the value of their clubs. The success of teams under the leadership of these wealthy owners demonstrates that in football, in addition to players' talent, smart investment strategies can also lead to glory.
