City Football Group (CFG), owned by Abu Dhabi United Group, represents a pioneering approach in football, showcasing a unique business model that integrates multiple clubs under a single umbrella. This strategy allows for synergies in scouting, player development, and commercial partnerships, benefiting each club within the group. The most recent benefactor is Girona, who sit atop La Liga table ahead of Barcelona, whom they play this weekend.

As of 2023, CFG owns or has stakes in 13 clubs across the globe, each contributing to the Group’s growing influence in international football.

1. Manchester City F.C. (England)

  • Founded: 1880
  • Achievements: Premier League Champions, Champions League Winners, FA Cup Winners
  • Ownership percentage: 100%
  • Notable Aspect: The flagship club of CFG, Manchester City, has transformed into a football powerhouse, winning the treble last 22/23 season. Under coach , they’re known for their high-quality play and significant investments in player acquisitions and infrastructure.

2. New York City F.C. (USA)

  • Founded: 2013
  • Achievements: Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Winners
  • Ownership percentage: 80%
  • Notable Aspect: As an MLS club, NYCFC has focused on growing football’s popularity in the United States, bringing in notable players David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, and Frank Lampard throughout the years and investing in youth development. NYFC won the MLS championship in 2021.

3. Melbourne City F.C. (Australia)

  • Founded: 2009
  • Achievements: A-League Champions
  • Ownership percentage: 80%
  • Notable Aspect: This club has seen a rebranding and a significant improvement in its performance since joining CFG, becoming a dominant force in the A-League.

4. Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan)

  • Founded: 1972
  • Achievements: J-League Champions
  • Ownership percentage: Minority stake
  • Notable Aspect: One of Japan’s most successful clubs, their partnership with CFG has enhanced their international profile and technical capabilities.

5. Montevideo City Torque (Uruguay)

  • Founded: 2007
  • Ownership percentage: 100%
  • Notable Aspect: This club has become a hub for scouting and developing South American talents, benefiting from CFG’s extensive network.

6. Girona F.C. (Spain)

  • Founded: 1930
  • Achievements: La Liga participation, currently sit top 4
  • Ownership percentage: 44.3%
  • Notable Aspect: Girona provides a platform for young talents to experience European football, particularly in the competitive Spanish league. Pep Guardiola’s brother, Pere, is chairman of the club in association with Girona Football Group, which also owns 44.3% of the team.

7. Sichuan Jiuniu F.C. (China)

  • Founded: 2006
  • Ownership percentage: 28%
  • Notable Aspect: CFG’s investment here is part of its strategy to tap into the growing football market in China, focusing on grassroots and youth development.

8. Mumbai City F.C. (India)

  • Founded: 2014
  • Achievements: Indian Super League (ISL) Champions
  • Ownership percentage: 65%
  • Notable Aspect: Mumbai City F.C. has become a focal point for developing football in India, a country with immense potential for the sport.

9. Lommel S.K. (Belgium)

  • Founded: 1932
  • Ownership percentage: 100%
  • Notable Aspect: This acquisition marks CFG’s entry into Belgian football, known for its strong youth academies and player development programs.

10. ES Troyes AC (France)

  • Founded: 1986
  • Ownership percentage: Majority stake
  • Notable Aspect: CFG’s investment in Troyes AC signifies a strategic move into French football, focusing on developing young talents in a competitive European environment.

11. Palermo F.C. (Italy)

  • Founded: 1900
  • Ownership percentage: 94.5%
  • Notable Aspect: The acquisition of Palermo F.C. in 2022 marked CFG’s expansion into Italian football, a nation rich in football history and culture.

12. Bolívar (Bolivia)

  • Founded: 1925
  • Ownership percentage: Partner club
  • Notable Aspect: Club Bolívar’s partnership with CFG is a milestone in South American football, bringing CFG’s expertise to one of the continent’s most successful clubs.

13. Bahria (Brazil)

  • Founded: 1925
  • Ownership percentage: 90%
  • Notable Aspect: Club Bolívar’s partnership with CFG is a milestone in South American football, bringing CFG’s expertise to one of the continent’s most successful clubs.

Key facts about the 13 teams owned by City Football Group (CFG)

Below is a testament to City Football Group’s nascent presence in world football.

ClubCountryFoundedKey AchievementsOwnership %Notable Aspects
Manchester City F.C.England1880Premier League Champions, Champions League Winners, FA Cup Winners100%Flagship club, renowned for high-quality play under coach Pep Guardiola.
New York City F.C.USA2013MLS Cup Winners80%Popularized football in the U.S.; notable players include David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard.
Melbourne City F.C.Australia2009A-League Champions80%Significant performance improvement and rebranding post-CFG acquisition.
Yokohama F. MarinosJapan1972J-League ChampionsMinorityEnhanced international profile and technical capabilities through CFG partnership.
Montevideo City TorqueUruguay2007–100%Focus on scouting and developing South American talent.
Girona F.C.Spain1930La Liga participation, currently top 444.3%Platform for young talents in European football; linked with Pep Guardiola’s brother Pere.
Sichuan Jiuniu F.C.China2006–28%Part of CFG’s strategy to develop football in China, with a focus on youth.
Mumbai City F.C.India2014ISL Champions65%Central to developing football in India, a country with huge potential in the sport.
Lommel S.K.Belgium1932–100%Represents CFG’s foray into Belgian football, known for youth development.
ES Troyes ACFrance1986–MajorityStrategic move into French football, focusing on developing young talents.
Palermo F.C.Italy1900–94.5%Expands CFG’s presence in Italian football, a nation with rich football history.
BolívarBolivia1925–PartnerPartnership brings CFG expertise to one of South America’s most successful clubs.
BahriaBrazil1925–90%Expansion of CFG’s influence into Brazilian football, enhancing local talent development.

Photo: City Football Group