Reflecting on her decision to join the ownership group of the San Diego FC, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club debuting in 2025, Tems shared, “Football has a unique way of bringing people together across cultures. I wanted to be part of that narrative.” An opportunity to influence culture through strategic entrepreneurship was a call she could not resist. Her investment, channeled through her company, The Leading Vibe, cements her in the business sphere beyond her musical pursuits.

However, as much as Tems forges new paths, she is not alone on this journey. Before her, other trailblazing African women have chartered paths into football investments. These courageous steps challenge the status quo, dominated mostly by men in the football investment space.

These pioneering women spearhead transformative shifts in gender representation and African influence within the global sports sector. It’s an exciting time as more African women assert key roles in football ownership, blending diversity with sport’s vast potential to foster unity and inclusion.

African Female Football Club Owners

1. Nneka Ede (Nigeria) – Nneka Ede captured the limelight by acquiring significant stakes in Lusitano Ginásio Clube, Futebol, SAD, a Portuguese third-division club, in 2020. Her daring move marks a monumental achievement for African women in ownership, emphasizing the burgeoning influence of African entrepreneurs.

2. Eniola Aluko (Nigeria) – Eniola Aluko transitioned from being a celebrated footballer to a prominent owner, acquiring stakes in FC Como Women through the Mercury 13 investment group. With her engaging background as a player and broadcaster, Aluko’s role as an owner continues to inspire awe and respect.

Aluko’s investment decisions are inspired by her acumen as a former player and director, hinting at her profound understanding of the sport’s layers. She often ponders, “How can the spirit of the game evolve through diverse ownership?” Such questions drive her strategic moves.

3. Akosua Puni Essien – A remarkable Ghanaian businesswoman, Puni Essien, wielded her influence by purchasing Como 1907 in Italy. Her acquisition in 2017, at a time when the club was facing dire financial straits, resonated across the sports world. Her £237,000 investment did more than revive a club; it symbolized hope and ambition.

Well-regarded also for her philanthropy, Puni Essien channels her passion for social responsibility within the sports sector. Her partnership with and support from her husband, Michael Essien—a football icon—further amplifies her impact.

In summary, as we observe these dynamic women shape the hues of football, a renewed sense of introspection begins to unfold. We are left wondering, what more can they inspire in the realms beyond our current scope? Such contemplative inquiries guide the evolution of the sporting world, driving inclusive and transformative progress.