List of Leading Football Club Owners in Africa, 2025 Edition
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In the dynamic world of football, African owners are making significant strides, transforming the landscape of the sport on the continent and beyond. Here are some of the top African club owners in 2025 who are driving change through strategic investments and visionary leadership.
1. Kunle Soname (Nigeria)
Kunle Soname, a trailblazer from Nigeria, made history in 2015 by becoming the first Nigerian to own a European football club, C.D. Feirense, based in Portugal. Soname's footprint in football extends beyond Europe, as he also established Remo Stars Football Club in Nigeria and Beyond Limits Football Academy, a youth academy for nurturing grassroots talent.
2. Nneka Ede (Nigeria)
Nneka Ede made history in 2020 by becoming the first Nigerian woman to own a European football club, Lusitano Ginásio Clube, based in Portugal. Under her leadership, the club has seen improvements in infrastructure and community engagement, with a focus on local talent development.
3. Patrice Motsepe (South Africa)
Patrice Motsepe, a South African billionaire, has been a driving force in African football since 2003 when he purchased Mamelodi Sundowns. Motsepe, who is also the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), invests heavily in the club and supports football governance and socio-economic development in Africa through his philanthropy.
Other Notable Owners
Calvyn Le’John, son of South Africa's Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, owns Siwelele FC and is investing significantly in building a football academy and infrastructure in Bloemfontein to nurture talent. Other prominent owners listed among the top 10 include Tems, Sola Akinlade, Eniola Aluko, Kingsley Pungong, and more, each recognized for their visionary leadership and investments that drive the sport's growth and professionalization across Africa.
Contributions to African Football
These owners have contributed by improving club finances, youth academies, infrastructure, and expanding African football's visibility both continentally and internationally through club successes and player development pathways. For example, Soname's combination of business and charitable work enhances talent mobility internationally, while Motsepe’s dual role in club ownership and CAF presidency influences African football governance and development.
In conclusion, the top African club owners in 2025 are a mix of entrepreneurs and philanthropists who not only invest capital but also prioritize grassroots talent development and infrastructural improvements, thereby elevating African football's competitive standards and global presence.
Additional Information
- In 2023, Sola Akinlade purchased a 55% stake in Aarhus Fremad, a Danish second division club, to provide opportunities for African players in Europe.
References
[1] African Business Magazine. (2025). Top African Football Club Owners. [Online] Available at: https://www.africanbusinessmagazine.com/top-african-football-club-owners/
[2] Forbes Africa. (2025). Patrice Motsepe: The Man Behind Africa's Most Successful Football Club. [Online] Available at: https://www.forbesafrica.com/sport/football/patrice-motsepe-the-man-behind-africas-most-successful-football-club/
[3] Bloomberg. (2025). Calvyn Le’John's Big Bet on South African Football. [Online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-01/calvyn-le-john-s-big-bet-on-south-african-football
Sports-analysis has highlighted the significant impact of these top African club owners in 2025, particularly in terms of sports finance and youth development. For instance, Kunle Soname's Remo Stars Football Club and Beyond Limits Football Academy contribute to nurturing grassroots talent, while Nneka Ede's focus on local talent development at Lusitano Ginásio Clube is also noteworthy. Similarly, Patrice Motsepe's investments in the Mamelodi Sundowns and CAF presidency influence African football governance and development. The contributions of other owners like Calvyn Le’John, Sola Akinlade, Tems, Sola Akinlade, Eniola Aluko, and Kingsley Pungong are also integral to the growth and professionalization of African football through improved infrastructure and player development pathways.
