Highlights
- Soccer club owners like Stan Kroenke, Philip Anschutz, and Shahid Khan leverage their financial prowess to boost their teams' success on and off the pitch.
- David Tepper's transformative investments in FC Charlotte demonstrate his commitment to growing soccer as a major sport in the US, promising an exciting future for the club.
- Sheikh Mansour's immense resources and consistent effort turned Manchester City into a European powerhouse, proving the importance of the business side for success in soccer.
Much like any other sport, soccer goes beyond the actions on the pitch; there are business activities unfolding behind the scenes that keep that pitch green. The global admiration of the game and its ever-increasing marketability all but ensures that the financial side of it will continue to grow.
Enter the magnates and business moguls – the actual puppeteers who pull the financial strings behind the curtains. Dynastic individuals whose resources parallel the staggering popularity of the game they invest in, their financial decisions can often sway a club's fortunes and impact their fan base's collective psyche.
In recent times, the line between the sport and the business sides of football has become increasingly blurred, and the owners of elite teams in the game have risen to prominence, bringing their passion for sports and their financial prowess to boost their teams to greater heights.
10 Stan Kroenke, Arsenal And Colorado Rapids - $8.6 Billion
Stan Kroenke is a familiar name, to not just soccer fans, but across the world of athletics in America and Europe. Kroenke made his fortune in real estate in the US and Canada before turning his sights to athletics (and soccer).
He founded Kroenke Sports and Entertainment in 1999, the holding company for all his sports franchises. In 2008, he bought a 9.9 percent stake in Arsenal Holding PLC; he went on to purchase further shares in the club before completing a takeover in 2018 after former majority shareholder and Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov accepted his offer of $670 million.
The American business tycoon went on to purchase Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids, and also owns other clubs outside of soccer. Stan Kroenke is famous for building new projects with his franchises, attracting top talent, and maintaining a global presence; a visionary owner who understands that investing in his projects can bring on-field success.
9 Philip Anschutz, LA Galaxy - $10.5 Billion
Philip Anschutz is the founder and chair of Anschutz Entertainment Group; with a net worth of over $10.5 billion, he has made quite a name for himself in the world of sports. Anschutz amassed his wealth in railroads, real estate, oil, and entertainment, investing heavily in Hollywood and performance venues such as Staples Center and The O2.
Exemplifying his enthusiasm for sports, Philip Anschutz played a crucial role in pioneering Major League Soccer, and owned several teams for some time. Prior to the restructuring of the league, it experienced significant financial losses – before Anschutz committed substantial funds to help the league, purchasing clubs like LA Galaxy, Chicago Fire, and Houston Dynamo in the process.
He was dubbed "the savior of MLS" by league commissioner Don Garber in 2006, and under his stewardship, LA Galaxy became one of Major League Soccer's most successful franchises – winning multiple MLS Cup titles and attracting talents like David Beckham.
8 Shahid Khan, Fulham - $12.2 Billion
Shahid Khan is the principal owner of London-based soccer club Fulham FC, which he bought in the summer of 2013 for over $180 million. The Pakistani-American sports executive became a billionaire in the automotive industry through his ownership of Flex-N-Gate, an auto part manufacturer.
Khan's passion for the game is evident in his robust investment and nurturing of Fulham; his vision to elevate the club and place them among the elite is steadily materializing. His net worth of $12.2 million secures him a spot on the list of the most affluent soccer club owners in the world.
7 Dietmar Hopp, Hoffenheim - $12.2 Billion
Not many people are fortunate enough to buy the things they loved as a child, but Dietmar Hopp was among the privileged few; he grew up playing at the youth level for the German club Hoffenheim – and little did he know that the early experience would lay the foundation for his future business involvement with the club. The German billionaire purchased Hoffenheim when they were languishing in the country's lowest league tier.
Thanks to his financial aid, the club achieved consecutive promotions and rose to become one of the best teams in the country's top divisions. Hopp does not hide his love for the club, as he demonstrated it by building a new 30,000-seat stadium worth over $100 million, and he has also reportedly invested around $370 million into the club.
Despite his net worth of $12.2 billion, Dietmar Hopp rarely misses any game, and can be seen engaging with fans during games.
6 David Tepper, Charlotte FC - $17.1 Billion
As the primary financier of FC Charlotte, David Tepper's influence has been transformative; his investments represent a commitment to growing soccer as a major sport in the US. His business acumen and passion for the game promise an exciting future for the club.
Tepper was awarded the opportunity to develop an expansion team in 2019; he took the chance to bring FC Charlotte to life. He reportedly paid $325 million in expansion fees for the franchise, a record fee in MLS.
David Tepper made his fortunes as a hedge fund manager and is famous for his sharp business acumen, which has seen him accumulate wealth of over $17 billion, landing him on this list of the wealthiest soccer magnates.
RelatedChristine Sinclair And Diana Matheson Unveil New Canadian Women’s Soccer League For 2025
Though the league is still without a name, both the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Calgary Foothills Soccer Club have already committed to joining.5 Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City - $20.8 Billion
Perhaps the most influential owner in this list of wealthiest soccer club owners, Sheikh Mansour, turned Manchester City from a mid-table soccer club to a European powerhouse, knocking their neighbor Manchester United out of the top spot. His vision, immense resources, and consistent effort to always buy the best quality money can offer prove that the sports business side is vital for success on the pitch.
Sheikh Mansour is a member of the royal family of Abu Dhabi; he is also the vice president and deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates. Mansour founded City Football Group, a holding company that administers soccer clubs like New York City, Mumbai City, and Melbourne City, among others.
4 Sir Jim Ratcliffe, OGC Nice - $22 Billion
The second-richest person in the United Kingdom and fourth on this list, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the chair and CEO of INEOS, a multinational conglomerate that specializes in chemicals and energy, which he founded in 1998. Ratcliffe acquired the French club OGC Nice for a reported fee of $105 million.
His involvement with the club has invigorated their desire to become a top contender in the French championship. His strategy emphasizes long-term growth, with investments in infrastructure and youth development.
According to Forbes, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's net worth is $20.8 billion; he has been lauded for his philanthropic efforts, showcasing his desire to make a positive impact beyond sports.
3 Mark Mateschtiz, RB Leipzig, And The New York Red Bulls - $33 Billion
The youngest on the list at age 31, Mark Mateschtiz is a part-owner of the energy drink company Red Bull, which his late father, Dietrich Mateschtiz, co-founded. In 2009, his father founded the German soccer club RB Leipzig; they debuted in the lowest tier of the German soccer league system.
The club quickly rose to the top tier and played in the European premier club tournament. Dietrich Mateschtiz also purchased MLS and Austrian soccer teams New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg, respectively.
Mark inherited his father's franchises and saw them go from strength to strength; he is known for being an astute business executive who understands how to build sustainable sporting enterprises.
2 Francois-Henri Pinault, Stade Rennais - $37.9 Billion
Francois-Henri Pinault is a French business executive and CEO of a French-based multinational corporation specializing in luxury goods that runs brands like Gucci and Balenciaga, among others; the French billionaire is married to Hollywood actress Salma Hayek. Pinault obtained total ownership of French soccer club Stade Rennais FC in 1998 through Artemis, his holding company through which he invests in his interests.
His vast resources, combined with his unwavering dedication, make him a force to be reckoned with in both business and sports, establishing himself as the second-wealthiest soccer owner in the world with a net worth of $37.9 million.
RelatedThe 8 Most Expensive Purchases Of Saudi Prince Mohammed Bin Salman
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is infamous for splurging big bucks on exclusive, ultra-expensive possessions.1 Public Investment Fund, Newcastle United - $776 Billion
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, with total estimated assets of $776 million. It is controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who reformed the consortium to help diversify the country's economy.
In 2021, the PIF purchased an 80 percent majority stake in English soccer club Newcastle United, an acquisition that sent shock waves across the soccer world. With newfound financial backing, the club has made significant strides in bolstering its squad and subsequently qualified for the European club's premier tournament, the UEFA Champions League.
The PIF is worth over $776 million and tops the list; although one might argue that it is unfair for a public wealth fund to be included in the list, the fact that it is headed by the Crown Prince of Saudi (an individual of substantial influence and resources) justifies its place.
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