Meet the highest net worth women changing the face of European sports — four billionaires and powerhouse investors who control top football clubs and are collectively worth over $18 billion, led by Heineken heiress Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken.
Charlene de Carvalho‑Heineken
- Net Worth: ~$14.1 billion (Forbes, July 2024)
- Team Role: No direct ownership, but Heineken is a top-tier sponsor across European football and major sporting events.
- Source of Wealth: 25% controlling stake in Heineken N.V., inherited in 2002.
She is the daughter of Freddy Heineken, the former CEO of the renowned Dutch brewing company. She inherited a significant stake in Heineken, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world. Beyond her business ventures, she has been involved in sports through her ownership of AFC Ajax, a leading football club in the Netherlands. Her investment in Ajax reflects her commitment to supporting sports and youth development in the region. Charlene quietly shapes sports influence from behind the scenes. Under her direction, Heineken sponsors UEFA Champions League, Formula 1, and top-flight clubs — her impact is massive, even without owning a team.
Katharina Liebherr
- Net Worth: ~£1.3 billion (20% stake in Southampton FC; inherited share)
- Team: Southampton FC (Premier League)
- Source of Wealth: Inherited from Markus Liebherr, who saved the club from bankruptcy in 2010.
Katharina took over after her father’s death in 2010. Under her leadership, Southampton achieved significant success, including back-to-back promotions to the Premier League and a solid 11-year tenure in the top flight before their relegation in 2023. This cemented her reputation in sports circles.
Michele Kang
- Net Worth: ~$1.2 billion
- Teams: Majority owner of Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, Owner of London City Lionesses (WSL)
- Source of Wealth: Healthcare entrepreneur and investor via Kynisca Sports International.
Kang is a powerhouse in women’s football. She’s unified elite women’s teams under her umbrella, transforming how women’s soccer franchises operate and paving a path toward global expansion. In 2022, Kang became the first woman of color to own a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team by acquiring the Washington Spirit. She later expanded her influence in women’s football by becoming the majority owner of France’s Olympique Lyonnais Féminin and England’s London City Lionesses .
Amanda Staveley
- Net Worth: Undisclosed; prominent UK financier
- Team Role: ~10% stake in Newcastle United, served as director 2021–2024.
Amanda Staveley played a big part in the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United in 2021. She helped close the £305 million deal, which gave 80% ownership to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, while she and the Reuben Brothers each took 10%. For a while, she was one of the key figures running the club and steered its course. In July 2024, she and her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi, sold most of their shares, keeping just a 6% stake.
Ranking Methodology
Net worth and ownership verified through Forbes, Celebrity Net Worth, and club ownership data as of mid-2025. Only direct or minority control owners of top-tier European clubs (men’s and women’s) included. Sponsorship influence counts if significantly affecting team finances. Market values, stakes, and dates are based on the most recent publicly available records. These four women combine vast wealth, strategic vision, and passion for sports.
Female vs Male Ownership Shares in European Sports
In top men’s leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1, over 90% of majority owners are men. In women’s professional sports leagues, female ownership and leadership are more common but still not equal. Women hold controlling or significant minority stakes in fewer than 10% of major clubs. Still, their numbers are growing. This progress opens doors for more women to join and influence the industry.
Key Male Figures in Sports Ownership and Leadership
These are some key male personas known for their ownership or leadership roles in sports, especially in Europe and globally:
- Roman Abramovich — Former owner of Chelsea FC (England)
- Khaldoon Al Mubarak — Chairman and CEO of Manchester City FC (England)
- Florentino Pérez — President of Real Madrid CF (Spain)
- Andrea Agnelli — Former chairman of Juventus FC (Italy)
- Nasser Al-Khelaifi — Chairman and CEO of Paris Saint-Germain FC (France)
- Stan Kroenke — Owner of Arsenal FC (England) and multiple US sports franchises
- Alisher Usmanov — Former significant shareholder of Arsenal FC
- Peter Kenyon — Former CEO of Chelsea and Manchester United (England)
- Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan — Owner of Manchester City FC (England) via City Football Group
A Final Note
Having more women in the sports business isn’t just about fairness — it’s a smart step. Their presence helps break old stereotypes, brings in new ideas, and opens the door for the next generation of leaders. Plus, with women’s sports gaining real momentum in viewership and sponsorships, the value they bring to the industry is only growing. It’s not just about representation — it’s about building a stronger, more balanced future for the whole sports world.