10 of the most powerful people in world football

Modified Nov 21, 2016 07:17 GMT

Kia Joorabchian has made millions from player sales

#8 Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan

AL AIN, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MAY 15: Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan are pictured during the friendly match between Al Ain and Manchester City at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on May 15, 2014 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images) — Sheikh Mansour owns stakes in Manchester City, New York City F.C and F.C Melbourne City

More popularly known as Sheikh Mansour, he is the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and a member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi granting him considerable influence in both the political and sporting scene.

With a net worth estimated to be $38 billion, the Sheikh owns stakes in a number of business ventures including Sky Arabia. He’s also the owner of Abu Dhabi United Group (ABUG), a specialist investment group that successfully took over Manchester City in September 2008 and oversaw their transformation into one of the top contenders for the English top-flight.

He also founded Manchester City’s sister club, New York City FC that began playing in the MLS from the 2015 season and owns FC Melbourne City which participates in the Australian A-League.

Few have managed to shape the landscape of football as much as Mansour, with the billions he has poured into the sport upsetting traditional monopolies in the various leagues.

About the author

Passionate about anything to do with football and cricket. Been a fan of Liverpool FC for over 15 years, and of course, Royal Challengers Bangalore since their inception. Will talk your ears off if given the chance.

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Edited by Staff Editor