The Arab Investors Making Power Plays in European Football Clubs

Football might be decided in 90 minutes, but the real game often starts far from the pitch. What began as a street pastime has evolved into one of the most prominent investment arenas in the world. A space where a single decision can reshape a club’s future, redefine its identity, and rewrite its legacy. And right at the centre of that shift, Arab investors have stepped in, turning football into something much bigger than a game: a global stage for influence and long-term power plays. Across Europe, Arab investors are running parts of the game. From Manchester City to Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa, their presence is now tied to some of the sport’s biggest clubs and boldest transformations. Here are some of the Arab names behind those moves...
Nasser Al-Khelaifi – Paris Saint-Germain
Since 2011, Paris Saint-Germain has been majority-owned by Qatar Sports Investments, with Al-Khelaifi serving as president and backed by the Qatari government. Within a few years, he helped turn PSG into a European powerhouse, bringing in global stars like Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé and dominating French football for years.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed – Manchester City
Manchester City’s transformation began in 2008 when Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, through Abu Dhabi United Group, took over the club. Since then, City has become one of the most successful teams in world football, winning multiple domestic titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2023, while expanding into a global network of clubs under City Football Group across continents.
Nassef Sawiris – Aston Villa
In 2018, Aston Villa came under V Sports, led by Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris alongside Wes Edens. The investment marked a turning point for the club, helping it return to the Premier League and achieve financial stability and profitability for the first time in decades.
Abdullah bin Mosaad – Sheffield United
In 2013, Saudi prince Abdullah bin Mosaad acquired a 50% stake in Sheffield United, then in the Championship. During his ownership, the club achieved promotion to the Premier League for the first time in his tenure. In December 2024, the club was sold to an American investment group (COH Sports) in a deal worth around $135 million.
Turki Al-Sheikh – UD Almería
Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Al-Sheikh purchased UD Almería for €20 million in 2021. Just four years later, ownership shifted again to a Saudi consortium led by SMC Group in a deal worth around €100 million. The club also saw a 25% stake acquired by Cristiano Ronaldo through his company CR7 Sports Investments.
Mohamed Al-Fayed – Fulham FC
One of the earliest Arab investors in European football, Mohamed Al-Fayed took over Fulham in 1997 for £6.5 million. He owned the club for nearly 16 years, overseeing its rise through English football before selling it in 2013 to Shahid Khan.
Maged Samy – Lierse S.K. & Ergotelis F.C.
Egyptian businessman Maged Samy, known for founding Wadi Degla in Egypt, also expanded into Europe, owning Belgium’s Lierse before later selling it, alongside his involvement in Greece’s Ergotelis.
Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani – Málaga CF
In 2010, the Qatari royal family member acquired Málaga for around €36 million. Under his ownership, the club reached new heights, including qualification for the UEFA Champions League, before later facing financial and legal issues that led to a decline into lower divisions.
Hussein Ismaik – TSV 1860 Munich
Jordanian investor Hussein Ismaik stepped in in 2011, acquiring a 49% stake in TSV 1860 Munich when the club was on the verge of financial collapse. While he helped stabilise the club, it has since struggled with structural and sporting instability despite its historic legacy.
Assem Allam – Hull City A.F.C.
Assem Allam purchased Hull City in 2010 to save it from bankruptcy and later guided it to Premier League promotion. His tenure also saw Egyptian players like Ahmed Elmohamady and Gedo feature for the club. He sold Hull City in 2022, ending an 11-year ownership period.
Saudi Public Investment Fund – Newcastle United
In 2021, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund acquired an 80% stake in Newcastle United in a £305 million deal. Within a season, the club had already shifted trajectory - moving away from relegation battles and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 19 years.