The footballer’s career is shaped by three key figures: the player himself, his coach, and his personal manager. While the coach focuses on developing skills, the personal manager offers career perspectives and often paves the way for the player’s future. Whereas the coach’s primary responsibility is the team as a whole, personal managers oversee all aspects of a professional player’s life. This week, Sportingpedia examines the 10 most powerful agencies in football, ranking them by the combined market value of the players they represent. One of the most intriguing findings is that these 10 agencies manage the personal interests of 4,016 players, with a total market value of just over €11 billion – enough to form 160 teams with 25-man squads. Wasserman boasts the largest client list, representing 1,043 players worth €1.99 billion, closely followed by CAA Stellar, which manages 870 players with a combined value of €2.08 billion. Wasserman boasts the largest client list, but CAA Stellar is the only agency managing the careers of footballers valued at over €2 billion, surpassing Wasserman’s clientele by €90 million. Of the top 10 most powerful football agencies, 8 are located in Europe, while the United States and the United Arab Emirates are home to the other two. 4 are based in the United Kingdom alone, with no other country being represented by more than one company, highlighting the UK’s dominance in managing football talent.
Key Takeaways:
- The 10 largest football agencies manage 4,016 players across the globe, with a combined market value exceeding €11 billion
- These players could form 160 teams with 25-man rosters
- The top three agencies by player value are CAA Stellar (€2.08 billion), Wasserman (€1.99 billion), and Gestifute (€1.55 billion)
- Vinicius Junior of Roc Nation Sports is the most valuable player across all agencies, with a market value of €180 million
- Bertolucci Sports’ clientele holds the highest average market value with each player worth €10.97 million, while Gestifute’s players have an estimate of €10.93 million
- Eight of the top football agencies are based in Europe, with one each located in the US and UAE
- The United Kingdom is home to four agencies, while no other nation hosts more than one agency
Another curious revelation is that Bertolucci Sports and Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute and are the only agencies whose clients hold an average market value of over 10 million. Bertolucci Sports represents the most expensive footballers, with each of their 71 players worth an average €10.97 million, topping the estimate of Gestifute’s footballers by a mere €0.03 million.
CAA Stellar
Founded in 1994 by Jonathan Barnett and David Manasseh, CAA Stellar represents the interests of 870 players across the globe, making it one of the largest agencies in football. With a combined market value of €2.08 billion, CAA Stellar stands at the top of the list. Their highest-valued player is Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid, with a market value of €100 million. In 2024, CAA Stellar facilitated Ivan Toney’s €42 million transfer from Brentford to Al-Ahly.
Wasserman
Founded by Casey Wasserman in 2002, Wasserman has the largest talent pool, representing 1,043 players. The agency’s total market value reaches €1.99 billion. Federico Valverde of Real Madrid is their most valuable player, worth €120 million. This year, their top transfer was Teun Koopmeiners’ €54.7 million move from Atalanta to Juventus.
Gestifute
One of the most recognizable agencies in football, Gestifute, was established in 1996 by Jorge Mendes, the man behind some of the biggest deals in football history. With 142 players under its wing, the agency has a combined market value of €1.55 billion. Gestifute’s highest-valued player is Ruben Dias of Manchester City, valued at €80 million. In 2024, Joao Neves’ €59.92 million transfer from Benfica to Paris Saint-Germain highlighted Gestifute’s involvement in big-money moves.
CAA Base Ltd
A key player in the football agency landscape, CAA Base Ltd represents 610 footballers with a combined value of €1.22 billion. The agency’s influence continues to grow, with its top player being the recently voted England’s men player of the year Cole Palmer, valued at €90 million. In 2024, CAA Base oversaw Mario Hermoso’s free transfer to Roma in 2024.
Unique Sports Group
Formed through the merger of Unique Sports Management and International Sports Management in 2021, Unique Sports Group manages 563 players with a combined market value of €1.05 billion. Their highest-valued player is Anthony Gordon of Newcastle, worth €60 million. This year, the group facilitated Odilon Kossounou’s loan move from Bayer Leverkusen to Atalanta.
ROOF (Representatives of Outstanding Footballers)
Established in 2012 in Germany, ROOF represents 127 players with a total market value of €852 million. Recently acquired by UTA (United Talent Agency), ROOF’s top talent is Kai Havertz of Arsenal, with an estimate of €75 million. In 2024, Tammy Abraham moved on loan from Roma to Milan under ROOF’s management.
Bertolucci Sports
Founded by Giuliano Bertolucci, the agency represents 71 players with a combined value of €779 million. Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle is their most valuable player, worth €85 million. In 2024, Douglas Luiz made a €51.5 million switch from Aston Villa to Juventus, orchestrated by Bertolucci Sports.
Roc Nation Sports
Founded in 2013 by rapper Jay-Z, Roc Nation Sports represents 117 footballers with a combined market value of €646 million. Their top client is this year’s Ballon d’Or favourite Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid, who is worth a whopping €180 million. The agency’s top client on the move in 2024 was Chadi Riad, who made a €15 million move from Real Betis to Crystal Palace.
SEG (Sports Entertainment Group)
Founded in 2000 by Kees Vos and Alex Kroes, SEG manages the careers of 356 players with a combined market value of €472 million. Their top player is Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United, valued at €65 million. This summer, SEG helped facilitate Joakim Andersen’s €29.5 million transfer from Crystal Palace to Fulham.
HCM Sports Management
HCM Sports Management is headed by former footballer Hasan Cetinkaya. The company is looking after the interests of 117 players with a total market value of €463 million. Their most valuable players are Sporting Lisbon’s Vyktor Gyokeres and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, both valued at €70 million. This year, the agency’s top transfer was Steven Bergwijn’s €21 million move from Ajax to Al-Ittihad, which led to controversial comments from the Netherlands national coach Ronald Koeman.