Omar Berrada Biography
Born in Paris, France, in 1978, Omar Berrada is a Moroccan-French businessman and football executive. His Moroccan heritage is deeply rooted, as his parents were originally from Morocco. The family moved to Morocco during Omar’s childhood, where he spent his formative years.
Omar Berrada Educational Journey
Omar Berrada Education in Morocco and Spain
Omar attended the Rabat American School in Morocco, where he received his early education. His passion for football, instilled during his childhood, grew as he cheered for the Moroccan national team and Real Madrid. After completing high school, he ventured to Spain for higher education. Omar enrolled at the European University of Barcelona, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration. His academic journey continued at the prestigious IESE Business School, where he attained a master’s degree in business administration.
Omar Berrada Career
Entry into the Corporate World
In 2002, Omar initiated his professional career with a significant move to Nike, the renowned global sports apparel and footwear company. Joining as a marketing manager for the Middle East and Africa region, he spent six fruitful years contributing to various marketing campaigns and initiatives. Notable projects included the launch of the Nike Football Academy in Dubai and sponsorship of the African Cup of Nations.
City Football Group Journey
In 2008, Omar transitioned to the City Football Group, joining at a pivotal moment when the group acquired Manchester City. Initially serving as a commercial director, he played a key role in securing strategic partnerships. His contributions led to lucrative deals such as the naming rights agreement with Etihad Airways, the kit sponsorship with Puma, and a content partnership with Amazon Prime Video.
In 2017, his responsibilities expanded as he assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer, overseeing day-to-day operations and finances. Omar’s adept management skills facilitated record-breaking revenues and ensured compliance with UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations. His role extended to the expansion and enhancement of the club’s facilities.
In 2020, he ascended to the position of Chief Football Operations Officer, succeeding the departing director of football Txiki Begiristain. This role tasked him with managing football affairs, collaborating closely with the manager Pep Guardiola, and steering the club’s strategic decisions in the football domain.
Leadership at Manchester United
A significant twist in his career occurred in 2023 when Omar Berrada was appointed as the chief executive of Manchester United, concluding a prolonged search for Richard Arnold’s successor. This unexpected move sparked varied reactions, with some viewing it as a major coup and others expressing feelings of betrayal. Omar’s transition raised eyebrows, given his past association with City Football Group and Manchester City.
Omar Berrada Personal Life
Family and Residence
Omar Berrada is married to Angela Valtueña, a Spanish journalist and television presenter employed by RTVE, the Spanish public broadcaster. The couple, who met during their time in Barcelona, tied the knot in 2009. They are parents to a son and a daughter, born in 2010 and 2012, respectively. The family resides in Wilmslow, near Manchester, England, in a lavish home featuring amenities like a swimming pool, a gym, a cinema room, and even a football pitch. Additionally, they own properties in Spain, Morocco, and the United States.
Social Media Presence: Omar Berrada maintains an active presence on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Through these channels, he shares glimpses of his family life, work, travels, and hobbies.
Hobbies and Philanthropy: Beyond his professional commitments, Omar is known for his diverse interests. An avid reader, music enthusiast, golf player, and philanthropist, he actively supports causes such as Cityzens Giving, UNICEF, and the Prince’s Trust.
Physical Attributes: Standing at an impressive height of 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) with a muscular physique weighing approximately 180 pounds (82 kilograms), Omar maintains his health through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Omar Berrada Net Worth
Financial Success
Omar Berrada’s wealth is a reflection of his successful career and strategic investments. With an estimated net worth of $100 million (€87 million), he stands as one of the wealthiest individuals in the City Football Group.
His primary income comes from his role as the Chief Football Operations Officer at Manchester City, with a reported annual salary of around $1 million (€850,000), complemented by bonuses linked to the club’s performance. Additional earnings accrue from his investments in various businesses and real estate.
Omar Berrada Appointment Of Manchester United CEO
Manchester United CEO
Omar’s appointment as the chief executive of Manchester United in 2023 marked a significant transition. Leaving behind his role at City Football Group and Manchester City, he embarked on a new chapter, leading one of the most iconic football clubs in the world.
Omar Berrada Controversies
Despite his successful career, Omar Berrada has faced controversies. In 2017, former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero accused him of being disrespectful during an interview with Sky Sports. Additionally, the signing of Jack Grealish in 2019 for £100 million ($136 million) drew criticism for its perceived high cost and uncertainties about the player’s fit into Pep Guardiola’s system. Notably, in 2020, he faced legal action from Yaya Toure, alleging a breach of contract regarding promised playing time.
Transfer Rumor to Manchester United
In 2021, rumors circulated about Omar’s interest in joining Manchester United as their chief executive. However, the rumor proved false when it was revealed that INEOS had already agreed to buy a stake in Manchester United before Berrada’s potential appointment.
Omar Berrada Involvement in Football Community
City Football Group Coordination
Omar Berrada’s influence extends beyond Manchester City. He actively participates in managing and coordinating the City Football Group, which oversees ten other football clubs across five continents. As a part of the group’s executive leadership team, he plays a crucial role in defining its global expansion and development strategies.
Recognition in Football Industry
Widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected football executives globally, Omar Berrada has received recognition from prestigious entities like the Sports Business Journal, Leaders in Sport, and the Football Business Awards. He often contributes as a speaker and panelist at esteemed events like Soccerex, the World Football Summit, and the Leaders Sport Business Summit.
Other Facts About Omar Berrada
Who is Omar Berrada?
Omar Berrada, born in Paris to Moroccan parents and raised in the United States, underwent a significant transformation in his academic and professional journey. At the age of 18, he made a bold decision to relocate to Barcelona, leaving behind an engineering degree program in Massachusetts. Opting for a degree in Business Administration from EU Business School in Spain, he furthered his education with a master’s degree at Ramon Llull University in Barcelona. His diverse educational background laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
After a fruitful two-year tenure as a Business Development Manager at Tiscali, Berrada made a pivotal career move by joining Barcelona as the Head of Sponsorship. His strategic thinking and business acumen quickly caught the attention of Manchester City, leading to his recruitment by the club in 2011. Initially assuming the role of Head of International Business Development, Berrada played a crucial role in orchestrating pre-season tours and expanding Manchester City’s global footprint.
Over the subsequent four years, Berrada steadily progressed within the ranks of the club, taking on key positions such as Director of Partnership Sales and Senior Vice President. His contributions were widely acknowledged, and his trajectory within the Manchester City Group continued its upward trajectory. In recognition of his strategic vision and operational expertise, he was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the club.
The year 2020 marked another milestone in Berrada’s career as he assumed the additional role of Chief Football Operations Officer at City Group. This expansion of responsibilities showcased not only his proficiency in managing the operational aspects of the club but also his deep involvement in football-related operations within the broader City Group structure. Omar Berrada’s journey exemplifies a remarkable rise in the realm of football management and strategic leadership.
What was Omar Berrada role at Manchester City?
In a straightforward conversation, Omar Berrada openly discussed the hurdles he faced when navigating strategic partnerships upon his arrival at Manchester City, highlighting the initial challenges he encountered with the club. Despite these early obstacles, Berrada’s resourcefulness and innovative thinking have been instrumental in steering Manchester City towards both on-field and off-field triumphs.
Omar Berrada’s impact transcends successful partnerships; he has played a pivotal role in shaping the organizational framework of Manchester City and the broader City Football Group. His influence extends to establishing strategic priorities for the club and refining the academy system.
Moreover, Berrada’s decision-making prowess has been evident in player acquisitions. His strategic vision was apparent in recruiting Ruben Dias to fill the void left by Vincent Kompany and opting for Rodri over Jorginho. Notably, he played a crucial role in securing the services of Erling Haaland, preventing the coveted striker from joining Santiago Bernabeu or Old Trafford.
Berrada’s visionary approach extends beyond player acquisitions to encompass strategic processes and policies, where he is acknowledged for thinking four years ahead. His pivotal role in significant decisions, such as bringing in Pep Guardiola and diplomatically rejecting Alexis Sanchez’s wage demands, underscores his foresight and strategic acumen.
Collaborating seamlessly with Director of Football (DOF) Txiki Begiristain, Berrada has been instrumental in squad planning, ensuring a well-balanced and competitive team. Recognizing his multifaceted contributions and strategic thinking, the City Group promoted Berrada to the influential position of Chief Football Operations Officer. In this role, he oversees operations across the extensive City franchise, managing a network of 11 clubs.
Why did INEOS go for Omar Berrada rather than Jean Claude Blanc?
When INEOS emerged as the winners in the deal, many Manchester United fans speculated that Jean Claude Blanc would become the CEO at Old Trafford. However, the club surprised everyone by appointing Omar Berrada. While this unexpected choice might have initially disappointed some fans, there’s a promising reason for optimism and an exciting possibility that could revive the dream of a triumphant return for Manchester United.
INEOS, in a strategic move, intends to maintain the influential role of Jean Claude Blanc within Manchester United by not appointing him as the CEO. Instead, the plan is to designate him as the INEOS Sports Director, a position that grants him significant authority while preserving the existing leadership structure with two seats on the Board of Directors. The envisioned occupants for these crucial seats are Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean Claude Blanc.
Although the CEO will secure a seat on the board, the dynamics suggest a delicate balance of power. The CEO, while being part of the board, will operate within the realms of influence from both the Glazers and INEOS. The decision to assign Jean Claude Blanc the role of INEOS Sports Director reflects INEOS’s intention to acknowledge his seniority and commendable achievements. This strategic move aims to harmonize the leadership structure and leverage the expertise of key figures to steer Manchester United towards success.
In conclusion, Omar Berrada’s journey from a football enthusiast in Morocco to a football executive overseeing one of the world’s top clubs showcases a remarkable trajectory marked by success, controversies, and active participation in the global football community.
Sage is a financial/consumer journalist and senior editor, personal finance, of TrendsHQ. EXPERTISE: Personal Finance, Careers, Jobs, Scholarships, and Entertainment.