City Football Group (CFG), the Abu Dhabi-owned network behind Manchester City, continues to redefine what a football conglomerate looks like. Through a strategic blend of full takeovers and minority stakes, CFG has established an unprecedented multi-club model spanning five continents.
This isn’t just about ownership. It’s about creating a pipeline of talent, streamlining football operations, and generating commercial value through a unified footballing philosophy. One of the clearest recent examples is a Girona FC, the Spanish side co-owned by CFG, which spent much of the 2023โ24 season ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona. They finished third.
As of mid-2025, CFG controls or holds stakes in 13 clubs worldwide:
1. Manchester City F.C. (England)
- Founded: 1880
- Ownership: 100%
- Achievements: Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup winners
- Key point: The jewel in CFG’s crown. Manchester City won the treble in 2022โ23 and remains a powerhouse under Pep Guardiola.
2. New York City F.C. (USA)
- Founded: 2013
- Ownership: 80%
- Achievements: 2021 MLS Cup champions
- Key point: Central to CFG’s North American ambitions, NYCFC has featured big names like David Villa and Andrea Pirlo.
3. Melbourne City F.C. (Australia)
- Founded: 2009
- Ownership: 80%
- Achievements: A-League champions
- Key point: Transformed post-acquisition, now a dominant force in Australia.
4. Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan)
- Founded: 1972
- Ownership: Minority stake
- Achievements: J-League champions
- Key point: A technical partnership that enhances Yokohama’s profile and access to CFG know-how.
5. Montevideo City Torque (Uruguay)
- Founded: 2007
- Ownership: 100%
- Key point: A key hub for scouting and developing South American talent.
6. Girona F.C. (Spain)
- Founded: 1930
- Ownership: 44.3%
- Achievements: Top-four La Liga contender in 2024โ25
- Key point: CFG shares ownership with Girona Football Group, chaired by Pep Guardiola’s brother Pere.
7. Shenzhen Peng City F.C. (China)
- Founded: 2006 (formerly Sichuan Jiuniu)
- Ownership: Approx. 47%
- Key point: Recently rebranded and relocated, this club represents CFG’s long-game bet on China’s football future.
8. Mumbai City F.C. (India)
- Founded: 2014
- Ownership: 65%
- Achievements: ISL champions
- Key point: A leading force in Indian football with huge upside in a growing market.
9. Lommel S.K. (Belgium)
- Founded: 1932
- Ownership: 100%
- Key point: Strategic entry into Belgium’s well-regarded development system.
10. ES Troyes AC (France)
- Founded: 1986
- Ownership: Majority stake
- Key point: French outpost geared toward developing young talent.
11. Palermo F.C. (Italy)
- Founded: 1900
- Ownership: 94.5%
- Key point: Expansion into Italian football, a key legacy market for the sport.
12. Bolรญvar (Bolivia)
- Founded: 1925
- Ownership: Strategic partner
- Key point: One of South America’s most storied clubs benefits from CFG’s structure without full acquisition.
13. Bahรญa (Brazil)
- Founded: 1931
- Ownership: 90%
- Key point: CFG’s Brazilian entry point, aimed at tapping into elite-level talent and local passion.
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.
| Club | Country | Founded | Key Achievements | Ownership % | Notable Aspects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City F.C. | England | 1880 | Premier League Champions, Champions League Winners, FA Cup Winners | 100% | Flagship club, renowned for high-quality play under coach Pep Guardiola. |
| New York City F.C. | USA | 2013 | MLS Cup Winners | 80% | Popularized football in the U.S.; notable players include David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard. |
| Melbourne City F.C. | Australia | 2009 | A-League Champions | 80% | Significant performance improvement and rebranding post-CFG acquisition. |
| Yokohama F. Marinos | Japan | 1972 | J-League Champions | Minority | Enhanced international profile and technical capabilities through CFG partnership. |
| Montevideo City Torque | Uruguay | 2007 | – | 100% | Focus on scouting and developing South American talent. |
| Girona F.C. | Spain | 1930 | La Liga participation, currently top 4 | 44.3% | Platform for young talents in European football; linked with Pep Guardiola’s brother Pere. |
| Sichuan Jiuniu F.C. (now Shenzhen Peng City) | China | 2006 | – | 47% | Part of CFG’s strategy to develop football in China, with a focus on youth. |
| Mumbai City F.C. | India | 2014 | ISL Champions | 65% | Central to developing football in India, a country with huge potential in the sport. |
| Lommel S.K. | Belgium | 1932 | – | 100% | Represents CFG’s foray into Belgian football, known for youth development. |
| ES Troyes AC | France | 1986 | – | Majority | Strategic move into French football, focusing on developing young talents. |
| Palermo F.C. | Italy | 1900 | – | 94.5% | Expands CFG’s presence in Italian football, a nation with rich football history. |
| Bolรญvar | Bolivia | 1925 | – | Partner | Partnership brings CFG expertise to one of South America’s most successful clubs. |
| Bahria | Brazil | 1925 | – | 90% | Expansion of CFG’s influence into Brazilian football, enhancing local talent development. |
Photo: City Football Group
