Ranked: The richest owners in world football

If you want to become a millionaire by owning a sports team, start out as a billionaire... or so the saying goes. Despite all the cautions, billionaires can't seem to stop investing in football teams all over the world. Let's take a look at the 10 richest owners in world football, with figures sourced from Forbes's real-time net worth in 2024.

Club: Hoffenheim Net Worth: $5.1 billion (£4.2 billion, €4.8 billion)

Dietmar Hopp, co-founder of software giant SAP, has used his wealth to support football and community projects in Germany. Hopp is known for his dedication to Hoffenheim, his hometown club, which he has transformed into a Bundesliga team through substantial financial backing.

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Club: Tottenham Hotspur Net Worth: $6.3 billion (£5.1 billion, €5.9 billion)

Joe Lewis, a British businessman, built his fortune in currency trading and investments through his company, Tavistock Group. He purchased Tottenham Hotspur in the early 2000s, and since then, the club has become a fixture in European competitions. Lewis remains a low-profile but powerful figure in sports ownership.

Club: Aston Villa Net Worth: $7.8 billion (£6 4 billion, €7.3 billion)

An Egyptian billionaire and one of the wealthiest Africans, Nassef Sawiris made his fortune in construction and chemicals through Orascom Construction Industries. Sawiris acquired Aston Villa with American business partner Wes Edens, and has been revitalizing the club’s fortunes in the Premier League since he came on board in 2018.

Club: Fulham FC Net Worth: $13.5 billion (£11.1 billion, €12.7 billion)

Shahid Khan, an American billionaire of Pakistani descent, made his fortune in the automotive industry as the owner of Flex-N-Gate, a major supplier to car manufacturers. He also owns the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. Khan acquired Fulham FC in 2013, and under his ownership, the club has seen notable growth.

Club: Arsenal FC Net Worth: $16.8 billion (£13.8 billion, €15.8 billion)

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Stan Kroenke built his wealth through real estate and sports franchises, owning various U.S. teams in addition to Arsenal. His company, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, owns teams in the NFL, NBA, and NHL. His involvement in Arsenal has been controversial among fans but remains one of the most valuable in his portfolio.

Club: LA Galaxy Net Worth: $16.9 billion (£13.9 billion, €15.9 billion)

Philip Anschutz is an American businessman with interests in entertainment, energy, real estate, and transportation. He is a co-founder of Major League Soccer and one of the primary investors who helped launch it. His club, LA Galaxy, is one of the most popular and successful in the U.S.

Club: Charlotte FC Net Worth: $21.3 billion (£17.5 billion, €20 billion)

David Tepper, an American hedge fund billionaire, founded Appaloosa Management. Known for his aggressive and highly successful investment strategies, Tepper has expanded into sports by establishing Charlotte FC, one of the newest clubs in Major League Soccer, in addition to owning the Carolina Panthers NFL team.

Club: Stade Rennais Net Worth: $21.4 billion (£17.6 billion, €20.1 billion)

François-Henri Pinault is a French billionaire and CEO of Kering, a global luxury brand conglomerate that includes Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga. His investment in Stade Rennais, while modest compared to his luxury empire, showcases his passion for sports and philanthropy within France.

Club: Manchester United (27.7% stake), OGC Nice (17% stake) Net Worth: $26.6 billion (£21.9 billion, €25 billion)

Founder of chemical giant INEOS, Sir Jim Ratcliffe made his wealth in the chemical industry, later expanding into sports with investments in cycling, sailing, and football. Known for his ambition, Ratcliffe has acquired stakes in European football clubs, aiming to build competitive teams that rival the biggest names in football, as reported by The Economist.

Club: Manchester City Net Worth: $30 billion (£24.7 billion, €28.2 billion)

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Sheikh Mansour, a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, made his fortune through oil and investments. His holdings span across energy, real estate, and finance. Since acquiring Manchester City in 2008, he has invested significantly in both the club and the local community, transforming the club into a dominant force in European football.