Aliko Dangote Regrets Missing Chance to Buy Arsenal: “I Would Have Bought the Club for $2 Billion”
- Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has revealed he once had the chance to buy a top English football club but chose a different path
- At the time, a major business project demanded his attention and resources, leading him to put the football deal on hold
- While he missed the opportunity to own the club, Dangote continues to follow its progress closely and remains a devoted fan
Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has opened up about a missed opportunity in football.
In a candid interview that has gone viral, Dangote reflected on his ambition to buy one of England’s top Premier League clubs.
At the time, Arsenal was valued at around $2 billion, and Dangote revealed he had seriously considered purchasing the club. However, his attention and resources were focused on completing the Dangote Refinery, one of his flagship projects.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking to Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua in New York, he said the timing simply wasn’t right.
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“I believe that window has closed. The last time we spoke, I said that once the refinery was done, I would make a move for Arsenal. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to follow through,” he explained.
Dangote acknowledged that Arsenal’s value has since increased, with the club now worth roughly $4 billion, and noted that buying it today would require resources better suited elsewhere. He described such a purchase as more promotional than practical but stressed that he remains a devoted fan, never missing a match.
When asked directly whether he regretted not buying the club when it was cheaper, Dangote admitted he did.
“Actually, I regret not buying it before, but you know my money was more needed in completing my project (Dangote refinery) than buying Arsenal. I would have bought the club for $2 billion, but you know I wouldn’t have been able to finish my project. So, it was either I finish my project or go and buy Arsenal,” he said.
Arsenal FC was most recently valued at $3.4 billion (approximately £2.5 billion) by Forbes in May 2025, placing them as the 8th most valuable football club globally. This valuation is based on enterprise value (equity plus net debt) and reflects a significant 31% increase from the previous year, driven by record revenues of $771 million for the 2023-24 season.
Source: Getty Images
Despite missing the chance to own Arsenal, Dangote’s admiration for the club remains unchanged, highlighting his ongoing support and passion for football.
A billionaire who owns a football club in Africa
South African mining mogul who, according to Forbes, is the 10th richest African in the world, owns Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club. Johann Rupert is another billionaire who owns a football club in South Africa, Stellenbosch FC.
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Source: Briefly News
