For decades, Europe’s football ownership has been dominated by Russian oligarchs, Middle Eastern royalty, and Western corporations. But a new era is emerging, one defined by African billionaires rewriting the global sports narrative.Nassef Sawiris (Egypt) revived Aston Villa and expanded to Vitória S.C. through V Sports.Kunle Soname (Nigeria) became the first Nigerian to own a European club with C.D. Feirense.Nneka Ede (Nigeria) made history as one of the first African women to own a European club, Lusitano GC.Their stories reflect Africa’s growing confidence, gender inclusion, and investment power in global sports.
These are visionaries not content with exporting talent; they’re exporting leadership, investment, and innovation.From Egypt’s Nassef Sawiris to Nigeria’s Kunle Soname and Nneka Ede, African investors are not merely spectators; they are shaping the global football economy.Their ventures underscore a pan-African confidence rooted in ambition and self-determination: Africa is no longer waiting to be invited into global power circles; it’s building its own seats at the table.
Nassef Sawiris: Egypt’s industrial titan reviving Aston VillaIn the heart of Birmingham, England, Aston Villa FC, one of the Premier League’s founding institutions, has undergone a remarkable transformation.Behind its revival stands Nassef Sawiris, one of Egypt’s richest men, whose sharp investment instincts have turned the club’s fortunes around.Sawiris, the CEO of OCI N.V. and part of Egypt’s influential Sawiris family, teamed up with American billionaire Wes Edens in 2018 to acquire a controlling stake in Villa.At the time, the club was struggling in the Championship, facing financial turmoil. Under Sawiris’ direction, Villa returned to the Premier League in 2019 and has since reestablished itself as a competitive force.Through V Sports, his multi-club ownership platform, Sawiris expanded his portfolio to include a stake in Portugal’s Vitória S.C.His strategy mirrors the modern multi-club model in European football’s elite circles, signaling that African investors can compete with global conglomerates.
Kunle Soname: Nigeria’s trailblazer bridging Lagos and LisbonIn 2015, the Nigerian businessman made history by acquiring a majority stake in C.D. Feirense, a Portuguese second-division club, becoming the first Nigerian to own a European football club.In 2015, the Nigerian businessman made history by acquiring a majority stake in C.D. Feirense, a Portuguese second-division club, becoming the first Nigerian to own a European football club. If Sawiris represents Africa’s industrial wealth, Kunle Soname embodies entrepreneurial audacity.
In 2015, the Nigerian businessman made history by acquiring a majority stake in C.D. Feirense, a Portuguese second-division club, becoming the first Nigerian to own a European football club.Soname, founder of Bet9ja and owner of Remo Stars FC in Nigeria, has long been passionate about football’s role in national development.His vision for Feirense goes beyond commercial interest; it’s about creating a pipeline that connects African football talent with the European system.”Securing Clube Desportivo Feirense was the next step in the right direction for me. I love everything about the club: the organisation, the philosophy and the fans … I have no intention of changing anything in the club because I am satisfied with their operations. Rather, I want to ensure the progress of the club through promotion to the Portuguese Primera division,” Soname stated during the takeover.Under his guidance, Feirense began scouting young African players, offering them opportunities to develop in Europe’s competitive environment. By integrating Feirense with Remo Stars’ grassroots structure, Soname built an ecosystem that merges passion, business, and purpose.
African investors and administrators are increasingly shaping the business side of the game, reflecting a broader shift in Africa’s football economy.Nneka Ede: Nigeria’s pioneer breaking the gender ceilingEde’s move opened doors for African women to enter boardrooms and influence the global sports economy.
Ede’s move opened doors for African women to enter boardrooms and influence the global sports economy. When Nneka Ede purchased Lusitano Ginásio Clube in Portugal in 2020, she made global headlines not just for her nationality but also for her gender. Ede became one of the first African women to own a European football club, redefining what leadership in sports looks like.Her acquisition was more than a financial transaction; it was a statement of representation. In an industry dominated by male executives, Ede’s move opened doors for African women to enter boardrooms and influence the global sports economy.“I am excited about this opportunity and I hope that this new chapter will deepen the already great sporting relations between Nigeria and Portugal… and provide a pathway for young talent to develop and shine through,” Nneka Ede stated during the acquisition.Ede’s vision extends into youth development and inclusivity. By investing in Lusitano, she has created new pathways for young African players and women in sports administration, coaching, and entrepreneurship.The bigger picture: Africa’s rise in the global sports economyThe collective achievements of Sawiris, Soname, and Ede signal a transformative moment.Their journeys demonstrate that Africa’s role in football goes beyond producing talent; it now encompasses ownership, creativity, and leadership.
