Emmanuel OchayiThe global football industry is worth billions of dollars. Beyond the excitement of the game, football boosts economies through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, tourism, and infrastructure development.
Africa has long been celebrated for producing top football talents such as Didier Drogba, Victor Osimhen, Kanu Nwankwo, and Mikel Obi. However, the continent’s influence in football is no longer confined to the pitch. More African entrepreneurs and investors are buying football clubs, shaping the sport’s future.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHere are 10 Africans who own football clubs worldwide.
1. Kunle Soname (Nigeria)
- Club Owned: C.D. Feirense (Portugal), Remo Stars F.C. (Nigeria)
- Year of Acquisition: 2015 (C.D. Feirense)
Kunle Soname is a Nigerian businessman and politician known for founding Bet9ja, a top betting platform in Nigeria. In 2015, he became the first Nigerian to own a European football club when he acquired a majority stake in C.D. Feirense, a Portuguese club.
Soname also founded Remo Stars F.C., a club based in Ogun State, Nigeria. His investments aim to develop African football talent and create pathways for players to compete internationally.
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2. Nneka Ede (Nigeria)
- Club Owned: Lusitano Ginásio Clube, Futebol, SAD (Portugal)
- Year of Acquisition: 2020
Nneka Ede made history as the first African woman to own a European football club. In 2020, she acquired Lusitano Ginásio Clube, a Portuguese club with over 100 years of history.
Ede’s goal is to strengthen ties between Nigeria and Portugal through football. She is focused on developing young African players and giving them opportunities to shine on the global stage.
3. Tems (Nigeria)
- Club Owned: San Diego FC (USA)
- Year of Acquisition: 2025
Award-winning Nigerian singer Tems became the first African woman to own a stake in a Major League Soccer (MLS) club. In 2025, she joined the ownership group of San Diego FC.
Tems’ investment highlights the growing involvement of African celebrities in sports. She believes football has the power to bring people together and is excited to be part of the industry.
4. Sola Akinlade (Nigeria)
- Club Owned: Aarhus Fremad (Denmark), Sporting Lagos F.C. (Nigeria)
- Year of Acquisition: 2022/2023
Sola Akinlade, co-founder of Paystack, a leading fintech company, is making a mark in football. In 2022, he founded Sporting Lagos F.C. to develop young talent in Nigeria.
In 2023, he acquired a 55% stake in Aarhus Fremad, a Danish second-division club. His vision is to provide African footballers with a direct path to European football.
5. Eniola Aluko (Nigeria/UK)
- Club Owned: FC Como Women (Italy)
- Year of Acquisition: 2024
Former England international footballer Eniola Aluko made history in 2024 when she joined the board of FC Como Women in Italy.
Aluko, who played for Chelsea and Juventus, is now focused on football management. She is also part of Mercury 13, a $100 million investment group for women’s football.
6. Kingsley Pungong (Cameroon)
- Club Owned: MFK Vyskov (Czech Republic)
- Year of Acquisition: 2017-2024
Cameroonian entrepreneur Kingsley Pungong owned Czech club MFK Vyskov between 2017 and 2024 before selling it to an American investment group.
Through Rainbow Sports Global, Pungong has also invested in clubs in Cameroon, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire. He is passionate about African football development.
7. Samih Sawiris (Egypt)
- Club Owned: FC Luzern (Switzerland)
- Year of Acquisition: 2011
Egyptian billionaire Samih Sawiris entered football in 2011 by acquiring a 12.5% stake in FC Luzern, a Swiss club.
As part of the wealthy Sawiris family, Samih has built a business empire spanning tourism, real estate, and sports investments.
8. Patrice Motsepe (South Africa)
- Club Owned: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
- Year of Acquisition: 2003
South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe is the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns, one of Africa’s most successful football clubs.
Motsepe, who is also the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has invested heavily in the club, turning it into a dominant force in African football.
9. Moïse Katumbi (DR Congo)
- Club Owned: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
- Year of Acquisition: 1997
Moïse Katumbi, a businessman and politician, transformed TP Mazembe into one of Africa’s most successful clubs.
Under his leadership, TP Mazembe became the first African club to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final in 2010. His investments have strengthened football infrastructure in DR Congo.
10. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
- Club Owned: Lagos City FC (Nigeria)
- Year of Acquisition: 2025
Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen recently acquired Lagos City FC, to be among the list of Africans Who Own Football Clubs, a club focused on developing young talent.
Osimhen, who plays for Napoli, wants to use his experience to create opportunities for young players in Nigeria. His goal is to help the next generation of footballers reach the highest levels of the sport.
Africans Expanding Their Influence in Football
The number of Africans who own football clubs is increasing. These investors are not only shaping the game financially but also creating opportunities for young African players to compete on the global stage.
From billionaires to former players and musicians, African ownership in football is growing. This trend signals a bright future for the continent’s presence in the sport.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
