The Football Edge fam, we are going to highlight some of the most influential and powerful football agents in the industry. These agents are renowned for managing top-tier footballers and securing high-profile transfers across European leagues and beyond. From the legendary Mino Raiola to influential figures like Jorge Mendes and Jonathan Barnett, the passage explores their careers, clients, and key contributions to the football world. Their strategic roles in shaping the careers of some of the world's best players and negotiating major deals demonstrate their significant impact on the sport.
Rogério Viana, a Brazilian football agent, Rogério Viana is particularly well-known for his work with South American players. His agency has represented stars like Neymar (before Neymar moved to Pini Zahavi for representation), Gabriel Jesus, and David Luiz. Viana is known for managing deals that see Brazilian players transition to European clubs, and his reputation has been built through his strong network within Brazil and Europe.
Pini Zahavi is an Israeli agent with a long and successful career in football representation. He has been involved in numerous high-profile deals, including Robert Lewandowski’s transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich. Zahavi is famous for his role in facilitating Andriy Shevchenko's move to Chelsea and for representing players from across Europe, particularly in high-stakes transfer negotiations. He is known for being a master negotiator and is considered one of the most powerful agents in the business.
Jonathan Barnett is the founder of Stellar Group, one of the most influential agencies in football. His clients include players like Gareth Bale, Jack Grealish, and Tanguy Ndombele. Barnett is known for his personal approach to managing players' careers and for securing lucrative contracts. His role in Grealish’s high-profile move to Manchester City, worth £100 million, made headlines. Barnett's agency has expanded to represent a wide range of top players in the Premier League and across Europe.
How much money do these agents earn representing the player?
The earnings of football agents vary greatly depending on the value of the players they represent, the contracts they secure, and the terms they agree upon. Typically, football agents earn a percentage of their clients' earnings, including wages, bonuses, and endorsement deals. Here’s a breakdown of how agents typically make their money:
1. Commission on Player Salaries:
The most common source of an agent’s earnings is commission on the player’s salary, typically ranging from 5% to 10% of the player’s total contract value. For top players, this can amount to millions of dollars. For example, if a player like Cristiano Ronaldo has a contract worth €30 million per year, the agent could earn between €1.5 million and €3 million annually just from the salary.
2. Transfer Fees:
Agents also earn money when a player transfers to a new club. They generally receive a percentage of the transfer fee, usually around 5% of the deal. This can result in massive payouts for high-profile transfers. For example, when Paul Pogba was transferred from Juventus to Manchester United for €105 million, his agent Mino Raiola (before his passing) likely earned a fee of around €5 million (assuming a 5% commission).
3. Endorsement Deals:
Many agents also negotiate endorsement deals for their clients, which can be a significant source of revenue. These endorsements can be with major brands (e.g., Nike, Adidas, and others). Agents may receive a commission ranging from 5% to 20% depending on the contract. For instance, Lionel Messi’s deals with brands like Adidas are extremely lucrative. If an agent negotiates an endorsement worth €10 million, their commission could be anywhere from €500,000 to €2 million, depending on the agreement.
4. Player Image Rights:
Some agents help players manage image rights, which can involve negotiating deals that allow players to earn money from their likeness, name, or brand. Agents typically take a 10-20% cut of image rights contracts, which can range from a few hundred thousand to millions of euros for high-profile players.
5. Other Earnings:
Some agents may also earn from commercial activities, sponsorships, or personal investments they negotiate for players. The fees for these can vary widely based on the specifics of the deal.
Example of Top-Earning Agents:
Jorge Mendes, who represents top players like Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, and others, could earn millions per year just from commissions. He has brokered some of the biggest transfers in history, earning a significant share from multi-million dollar deals.
Mino Raiola earned large sums from clients like Paul Pogba and Erling Haaland, often taking a substantial cut of their transfer fees, endorsement deals, and salaries.
Overall Earnings Estimate:
For the top agents, annual earnings can range from $10 million to $50 million or more, depending on their clients’ contracts, transfer activity, and endorsement deals. Top agents like Jorge Mendes and Jonathan Barnett are believed to earn tens of millions of dollars annually from their high-profile clients. In summary, football agents can earn significant sums of money—sometimes millions of dollars annually—by securing contracts, facilitating transfers, and negotiating endorsement deals for their clients. The actual amount depends on the players they represent and the specific terms of their deals.
The world of football is driven not only by the skill of the players on the pitch but also by the agents who manage their careers behind the scenes. These agents are key players in shaping the future of football, securing lucrative contracts, and facilitating moves that have a lasting impact on both players and clubs. As football continues to evolve, the role of these influential figures will only grow, making them an integral part of the sport’s global success.