Football is more than just a game, it’s a massive industry worth billions of dollars. While African players have long been stars on the field, a growing number of African entrepreneurs and investors are now taking charge off the pitch by owning football clubs abroad.
These individuals are not just passionate about the sport but are also using their resources to shape its future.
Here’s a look at 10 Africans who have made their mark in foreign football club ownership.
Kunle Soname (Portugal – C.D. Feirense)
Kunle Soname, a Nigerian businessman, is the first Nigerian to own a European football club. In 2015, he acquired a majority stake in C.D. Feirense, a Portuguese team, marking a historic moment for African investors in football.
Soname is also the founder of Bet9ja, one of Nigeria’s biggest sports betting platforms. His love for football doesn’t stop there—he also owns Remo Stars FC, a Nigerian club known for developing young talent.
Nneka Ede (Portugal – Lusitano Ginásio Clube, Futebol, SAD)
Nneka Ede made history in 2020 by becoming the first African woman to own a European football club. She purchased Lusitano Ginásio Clube, Futebol, SAD, a Portuguese club with over a century of history. Her vision for the club is to create a pathway for African footballers to showcase their talent in Europe.
Tems (USA – San Diego FC)
Nigerian music star Tems shocked the world in 2025 when she became part of the ownership group of San Diego FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) club in the United States. This move made her the first African woman with a stake in an MLS club. Known for her Grammy-winning music, Tems sees football as a way to unite people across cultures, making her investment more than just business—it’s about impact.
Shola Akinlade (Denmark – Aarhus Fremad)
Shola Akinlade, co-founder of Paystack, made a surprising move into football when he acquired a majority stake in Danish club Aarhus Fremad in 2023. His goal? To create more opportunities for African footballers to break into European football. Before this, he founded Sporting Lagos FC in Nigeria, showing his deep passion for the sport and youth development.
Eniola Aluko (Italy – FC Como Women)
Eniola Aluko, a British-Nigerian former footballer, transitioned from playing on the field to owning a club. In 2024, she became a board member of Italy’s FC Como Women. Her background as a former England international and Chelsea Women’s player, alongside her experience in sports management, makes her a strong force in shaping women’s football.
Kingsley Pungong (Czech Republic – MFK Vyskov)
Cameroonian businessman Kingsley Pungong took ownership of MFK Vyskov, a Czech club, in 2017. Through his company, Rainbow Sports Global, he has helped African talents get European exposure. Although he later sold the club in 2024, his role in expanding African football’s presence in Europe remains significant.
Samih Sawiris (Switzerland – FC Luzern)
Egyptian investor Samih Sawiris made his football debut by acquiring a stake in Swiss club FC Luzern in 2011. Coming from one of Egypt’s wealthiest families, Sawiris has been instrumental in boosting the club’s financial strength and long-term plans.
Patrice Motsepe (South Africa – Mamelodi Sundowns)
South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe is best known for his ownership of Mamelodi Sundowns, but his influence extends far beyond that. As president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), he has played a key role in the growth of football on the continent. His impact is not just about ownership but also leadership in the sport.
Nassef Sawiris (England – Aston Villa)
Nassef Sawiris, another member of Egypt’s powerful Sawiris family, co-owns Aston Villa, one of England’s oldest football clubs. Since taking over in 2018, he has helped the club regain its place in the Premier League, investing heavily in player transfers and infrastructure.
Akosua Puni Essien (Italy – Como 1907)
Ghanaian businesswoman Akosua Puni Essien made waves in 2017 when she bought Como 1907, an Italian club. The wife of former Chelsea star Michael Essien, she took on the challenge of rebuilding the club, which had struggled with financial difficulties.
Oluwadamilola Olanrewaju
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