A new era is unfolding in European football, and this time, it’s being shaped by African billionaires who are investing, innovating, and redefining global sports ownership.
For years, football club ownership across Europe has been dominated by Russian oligarchs, Middle Eastern royals, and Western corporations. Now, a new generation of African investors is stepping into the spotlight, transforming how the game is financed and managed.
Africa’s New Power in Global Football
From Egypt’s Nassef Sawiris to Nigeria’s Kunle Soname and Nneka Ede, African entrepreneurs are going beyond exporting talent — they’re exporting leadership. Their investments signal a growing pan-African confidence built on ambition, innovation, and global vision.
Africa is no longer waiting for a seat at the global football table — it’s building its own.
Nassef Sawiris: Egypt’s Industrial Titan Reviving Aston Villa
In Birmingham, England, Aston Villa FC has undergone a remarkable revival under the ownership of Nassef Sawiris, one of Egypt’s wealthiest businessmen.
As CEO of OCI N.V. and a member of the renowned Sawiris family, Nassef partnered with U.S. billionaire Wes Edens in 2018 to rescue Aston Villa from financial turmoil.
Under his leadership, the club returned to the Premier League in 2019 and has since reestablished itself as a strong competitor. Through V Sports, Sawiris also acquired a stake in Vitória S.C. in Portugal, adopting the multi-club ownership model popular among top global investors.
His approach demonstrates that African business leaders can compete on the same scale as European football’s biggest owners.
Kunle Soname: Nigeria’s Pioneer Bridging Lagos and Lisbon
Nigeria’s Kunle Soname, founder of Bet9ja and owner of Remo Stars FC, became the first Nigerian to own a European club when he acquired C.D. Feirense in 2015.
His ambition extends beyond profit. Soname’s vision is to connect African football talent to European opportunities. He integrated Feirense with Remo Stars’ grassroots system, creating a pathway for young African players to develop in competitive European environments.
“I love everything about the club — the organization, the philosophy, and the fans,” Soname said during the takeover. “My goal is to see Feirense progress to the Portuguese Primera Division.”
Soname’s success reflects Africa’s growing influence in the football economy — one built on entrepreneurship, innovation, and purpose.
Nneka Ede: Breaking Barriers as Africa’s First Female Club Owner in Europe
In 2020, Nigerian businesswoman Nneka Ede made global headlines by acquiring Lusitano Ginásio Clube in Portugal — becoming one of the first African women to own a European football club.
Her investment was more than symbolic; it represented empowerment and inclusion. Ede’s ownership opened new doors for African women in sports administration, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
“This new chapter will deepen the sporting relationship between Nigeria and Portugal, while giving young talent a platform to shine,” Ede said during the acquisition.
Through her focus on youth development and gender inclusivity, Ede is paving the way for a new generation of African women in football.
Africa’s Rise in the Global Sports Economy
The impact of Sawiris, Soname, and Ede represents a shift in global sports dynamics. Africa is no longer defined solely by its talent export; it’s asserting itself through ownership, strategy, and leadership.
African billionaires are leveraging their wealth to shape the business side of football — from boardrooms to training grounds. Their ventures symbolize a broader movement of economic empowerment and continental pride.
Africa is not just participating in the global football story — it’s writing the next chapter.