Cover Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish lift the Premier League trophy after the Premier League football match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Manchester, England (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish lift the Premier League trophy after the Premier League football match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Manchester, England (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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Asian ownership in football clubs has become more prevalent in recent years, with many prominent figures and corporations investing in the sport
Football, or soccer as it’s known in some parts of the world, is the most popular sport globally for several compelling reasons–simplicity, accessibility, physical and social benefits, and a long and storied history. It’s played and followed in nearly every country, transcending cultural, linguistic, and geographical barriers.
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In Asia, the involvement of prominent figures in football clubs has not only brought financial investment but also cultural exchange and increased visibility for Asian markets in global sports. These owners have contributed to the success and globalisation of the clubs they own and their impact continues to grow.
1. Tan Sri Vincent Tan
- Club: Cardiff City (Wales, UK)
- Nationality: Malaysian
- Details: Tan Sri Vincent Tan, a Malaysian businessman and one of Tatler Asia's Most Influential honouree, acquired Cardiff City in 2010. Under his ownership, Cardiff City achieved promotion to the Premier League in the 2013-2014 season.
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2. Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha
- Club: Leicester City (England, UK)
- Nationality: Thai
- Details: The late Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, founder of King Power Duty-Free, purchased Leicester City in 2010. His tenure saw the club achieve an incredible Premier League title win in the 2015-2016 season. After his tragic death in 2018, his son Aiyawatt took over as chairman.
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3. Tan Sri Tony Fernandes
- Club: Queens Park Rangers (England, UK)
- Nationality: Malaysian
- Details: Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, co-founder of the budget airline AirAsia and one of Tatler Asia’s Most Influential honouree, became the majority owner of Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in 2011. His ownership aimed at stabilising the club and achieving Premier League promotion.
4. Nasser Al-Khelaifi
- Club: Paris Saint-Germain (France)
- Nationality: Qatari
- Details: As the chairman of Qatar Sports Investments, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, a Qatari businessman, sports executive, and former tennis player, has been at the helm of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) since 2011. Under his leadership, PSG has become a dominant force in French football and a significant player on the European stage.
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5. Pairoj Piempongsant
- Club: Manchester City (England, UK)
- Nationality: Thai
- Details: Before the Abu Dhabi United Group took over, Thai entrepreneur Pairoj Piempongsant played a crucial role in brokering the deal for former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's acquisition of Manchester City in 2007.
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6. Dejphon Chansiri
- Club: Sheffield Wednesday (England, UK)
- Nationality: Thai
- Details: Dejphon Chansiri, whose family owns the Thai Union Group (one of the world’s largest seafood producers), acquired Sheffield Wednesday in 2015. His investment has aimed to return the club to the Premier League.
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7. Li Yonghong
- Club: AC Milan (Italy)
- Nationality: Chinese
- Details: Li Yonghong led the Chinese consortium Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux into purchasing 99.9 per cent stake in AC Milan from Silvio Berlusconi in 2017. However, financial difficulties led to Elliott Management Corporation taking over in 2018.
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8. Peter Lim
- Club: Valencia CF (Spain)
- Nationality: Singaporean
- Details: Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim, one of Tatler Asia’s Most Influential honouree, acquired Valencia CF in 2014. Despite mixed results on the pitch, the stockbroker, private investor, and business magnate's ownership has brought significant financial investment to the club.
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9. Wang Jianlin
- Club: Atlético Madrid (Spain)
- Nationality: Chinese
- Details: Wang Jianlin, chairman, founder, and majority shareholder of the Dalian Wanda Group, purchased a 20 per cent stake in Atlético Madrid in 2015. This investment was part of a broader strategy to increase Chinese influence in global football.
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